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

Errors reach combat The risks are no longer purely theoretical. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026

Done poorly, treated purely as task completion, shift coverage, a box to check, that potential is wasted entirely. — Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Democrats contend Kiley’s party switch is purely a political trick to survive in a more liberal district. — Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

Whatever people think of the film, it was endeavored to be made with purely with the process at its heart. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 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