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

The New Zealander wants to make grand prix sailing commercially viable, to drag it from being almost purely reliant on the patronage of wealthy individuals to being able to wash its own face. —Andrew Rice, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025

The blast does actual damage, not purely disorienting enemies. —Paul Tassi, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

But Naz and Aziza’s relationship, forged at the height of COVID lockdowns in Harlem, is purely platonic. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025

Downs said the one-on-one interviews were purely informational, and no ranking of candidates occurred in secret. —Skyler Swisher, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 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