purely

adverb

pure·​ly ˈpyu̇r-lē How to pronounce purely (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In this way, a fence was erected, but purely for certain people. Michael Luo, New Yorker, 20 May 2025 From a purely environmental perspective, subnational governments and governors must balance competing interests that do not always align with environmentalists’ ideals. Mary Nichols, The Conversation, 19 May 2025 Any prices or levels shown are either historical or purely indicative. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 19 May 2025 This comfortable and versatile footwear is no longer a purely functional option, but a true style icon. René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for purely

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

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Cite this Entry

“Purely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purely. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

purely

adverb
pure·​ly ˈpyu̇(ə)r-lē How to pronounce purely (audio)
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

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