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

For now, dark stars remain purely hypothetical, though some observational evidence is beginning to emerge. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2026

Someone that was so divisive and creating content that was purely based on hatred. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Jan. 2026

Unlike many founders who approach crypto from a purely trading or speculative background, his perspective is rooted in infrastructure, security, and operational reality. —William Jones, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026

Practical gifts can still feel romantic There’s a misconception that Valentine’s Day requires something impractical, something purely decorative or indulgent. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 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