purely
6 synonyms and 3 antonyms for purely, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Entirely or solely; nothing more than.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Antonyms
How to use purely
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From pure plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of purely →Frequently asked questions
What does “purely” mean?
The word “purely” means entirely or solely; nothing more than. In plain terms, completely, or exclusively — used to emphasize that one factor is the only one at play.
How do you pronounce “purely”?
“Purely” is pronounced PYOOR-lee (/ˈpjʊɹli/ in IPA).
How do you use “purely” in a sentence?
Here is “purely” used in a sentence: “He said it purely out of curiosity.”
What is the opposite of “purely”?
The opposite of “purely” — its antonyms — are impurely, pollutedly and uncleanly.
What part of speech is “purely”?
“Purely” is an adverb.
Is “purely” a common word?
“Purely” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between purely and solely?
Both mean nothing more than a single thing, and they are often interchangeable. Solely stresses that there is only one factor involved, while purely can add a shade of "merely" or "simply," as in "purely coincidental."
What is the difference between purely and simply?
Purely emphasises that something is entirely one thing and nothing else, as in "purely for fun." Simply is broader and can also mean "in an uncomplicated way," so the two only overlap when both mean "merely."
When do you use purely to mean 'only' or 'merely'?
You use purely to stress that something involves one reason or nature and nothing beyond it, as in "a purely personal decision" or "purely by chance." It signals that there is no additional factor at play.