Purely — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ˈpyu̇r-lē/ pure·ly

Meaning & Definition of Purely

Purely (adverb)

  1. to a full extent, totally
  2. wholly, exclusively
  3. without admixture of anything injurious or foreign

Purely (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. with purity of thought and deed

    "the devout girl vowed to live her life purely and in the service of God"

    similar: chastely, innocently, modestly, morally, righteously, virtuously
    related: decently, decorously, properly, priggishly, primly, prudishly
    opposite: evilly, immorally, impurely, sinfully, wickedly
    near: indecently, obscenely, vulgarly, lasciviously, lewdly, lustfully

  2. for nothing other than

    "I fish purely for the fun of it—I don't care if I end up with no fish to fry"

    similar: alone, exclusively, just, only, simply, solely
    related: basically, by and large, chiefly, generally, largely, mainly, mostly, predominantly, primarily, principally, substantially
    near: additionally, also, besides, likewise

  3. nothing more than

    "her pleasantries were purely for show and masked her true feelings"

    similar: but, just, merely, only, simply

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Purely

The most common words with a similar meaning to Purely:

chastely, innocently, modestly, morally, righteously, virtuously, alone, exclusively, just, only, simply, solely, but, merely

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Purely

Words with the opposite meaning of Purely:

evilly, immorally, impurely, sinfully, wickedly

Related Words for Purely

decently, decorously, properly, priggishly, primly, prudishly, basically, by and large, chiefly, generally, largely, mainly, mostly, predominantly, primarily, principally, substantially

Near Antonyms of Purely

indecently, obscenely, vulgarly, lasciviously, lewdly, lustfully, additionally, also, besides, likewise

Origin & Etymology of Purely

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Purely

Frequently Asked Questions about Purely

What does "Purely" mean?

"Purely" means to a full extent, totally. As an adverb, it is defined as: to a full extent, totally. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Purely"?

Other words for "Purely" include chastely, innocently, modestly, morally, righteously, virtuously, alone and exclusively. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Purely" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Purely"?

There are 31 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Purely". Common alternatives include chastely, innocently, modestly, morally, righteously, virtuously, alone, exclusively, just and only.

What is the opposite of "Purely"?

Antonyms of "Purely" include evilly, immorally, impurely, sinfully and wickedly. Near antonyms include indecently, obscenely, vulgarly and lasciviously.

How do you use "Purely" in a sentence?

Examples of "Purely" in a sentence: "the devout girl vowed to live her life purely and in the service of God"; "I fish purely for the fun of it—I don't care if I end up with no fish to fry"; "her pleasantries were purely for show and masked her true feelings".

Is "Purely" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Purely" is an adverb.

Is "Purely" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Purely" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Purely"?

"Purely" is pronounced /ˈpyu̇r-lē/ and divided into syllables as pure·ly.