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
4
: in a chaste or innocent manner
Synonyms
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
Some leaned on maternal instinct, and some acted purely out of anger.
—
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 18 Nov. 2023
Unlike the purely human-powered FX 2, which has a 46T/30T front chainring, the FX+ 2 has a 1x42T setup, which, paired with a 9-speed Shimano Altus groupset, works fine for a hybrid bike.
—Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, 16 Nov. 2023
Happiness, in other words, isn’t something that just happens, or even purely circumstantial.
—Emma Firth, Vogue, 14 Nov. 2023
The primary driver of China’s economic slowdown has been the end of the property and infrastructure bubble, and that is a purely domestic phenomenon.
—Daniel H. Rosen, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2023
The transition from purely digital assets to a blend of digital and real-world assets could broaden the scope and appeal of NFTs, bridging the gap between the traditional financial realm and the burgeoning blockchain space.
—Anastasia Chernikova, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
Leila Chavez proposed closing and selling all purely administrative buildings and having those personnel work remotely.
—Cynthia Howell, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2023
But some critics will make arguments purely out of self-interest.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 6 Nov. 2023
California is moving to outlaw watering some grass that’s purely decorative.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2023
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Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 18 Nov. 2023
Unlike the purely human-powered FX 2, which has a 46T/30T front chainring, the FX+ 2 has a 1x42T setup, which, paired with a 9-speed Shimano Altus groupset, works fine for a hybrid bike.
—Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, 16 Nov. 2023
Happiness, in other words, isn’t something that just happens, or even purely circumstantial.
—Emma Firth, Vogue, 14 Nov. 2023
The primary driver of China’s economic slowdown has been the end of the property and infrastructure bubble, and that is a purely domestic phenomenon.
—Daniel H. Rosen, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2023
The transition from purely digital assets to a blend of digital and real-world assets could broaden the scope and appeal of NFTs, bridging the gap between the traditional financial realm and the burgeoning blockchain space.
—Anastasia Chernikova, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
Leila Chavez proposed closing and selling all purely administrative buildings and having those personnel work remotely.
—Cynthia Howell, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2023
But some critics will make arguments purely out of self-interest.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 6 Nov. 2023
California is moving to outlaw watering some grass that’s purely decorative.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'purely.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of purely was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near purely
Cite this Entry
“Purely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purely. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on purely
Nglish: Translation of purely for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of purely for Arabic Speakers
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