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

• chastely
• innocently
• modestly
• morally
• righteously
• virtuously

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

Most purchases aren’t made through a purely logical process but are influenced by how customers feel in the moment—whether a price excites them, creates hesitation or triggers an impulse buy. —Anton Timashev, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

Others warned that corporate support of LGBTQ rights may be superficial and purely for financial gain. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025

Beyond the matter of international perception over frequent ICE raids targeting not cartels or gangs but Home Depots, restaurants, factories and immigration courts is a purely practical issue. —Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2025

If proven, this theory would mark a dramatic shift in SIDS prevention strategies—from purely behavioral interventions to the first-ever pharmaceutical approach. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

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