purely

adverb

pure·​ly ˈpyu̇r-lē 

1

a

: to a full extent : totally

purely by accident

b

: wholly, exclusively

a selection based purely on merit

2

: without admixture of anything injurious or foreign

3

: simply, merely

read purely for relaxation

4

: in a chaste or innocent manner

Synonyms of purely

• innocently
• properly
• chastely
• morally

Examples of purely in a Sentence

They met purely by accident.

a selection based purely on merit

The organization's mission, purely and simply, is to provide food to people who need it.

It was purely and simply a matter of greed.

Recent Examples on the Web

The vast majority of those who turn to self-representation do so purely out of need; that a new technology could serve as a democratizing force within the legal world, legal access advocates urge, is essential terrain to explore. —Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 18 Mar. 2026

Grammarly’s leadership framed the feature as designed to help users discover influential perspectives and provide meaningful opportunities for experts to build deeper relationships with their audiences, suggesting the intent was mutually beneficial rather than purely exploitative. —Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026

Some are purely for the novelty and eco-friendly message, while others are for the unique look of hemp fabrics. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Mar. 2026

Traditionally, animation was viewed purely as kids’ content. —Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for purely

• demurely
• maturely
• obscurely
• securely
• insecurely
• prematurely
• surely

Kids Definition

purely

adverb

pure·​ly ˈpyu̇(ə)r-lē 

1

: to the full or entire extent

2

: without the addition of anything harmful or different

3

: for no other reason than : only

done purely for fun

4

: in an innocent manner