Purely
/ˈpjʊərli/
Definitions
Entirely; only; solely; without anything else being mixed in.
/ˈpjʊərli/
In a pure manner; only; entirely.
The decision was purely based on financial considerations.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're eating a cookie with *only* chocolate chips, no other flavors. That cookie is purely chocolate chip. Purely means completely and only.
👶 For kids: When something is purely something, it's only that thing! Like if you have a drink that is purely juice, that means it's ONLY juice!
More Examples
The design is purely aesthetic; it serves no practical purpose.
She acted purely out of love for her children.
How It's Used
"The sculpture is made purely of stone."
"The experiment tested the substance purely for its chemical properties."
"He acted purely out of self-interest."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Middle English *purli*, from Old French *purement* ("purely"), from *pur* ("pure") + *-ment* (adverbial suffix).
The word 'purely' has been used since the 14th century. Early examples demonstrate its use to signify a lack of mixtures or additions, mirroring its modern usage.
Memory tip
Think of a 'pure' substance - nothing else in it. 'Purely' means in that same, unmixed way.
Word Origin
"purus (pure, clean, unmixed)"