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purely

B1
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /pjˈɔːli/

US

  • /ˈpjʊrli/

Description

"Purely" means something is only what it is said to be, with nothing else mixed in or involved. Think of a recipe that asks for "pure vanilla extract." That means just vanilla, with nothing extra added. You might say a decision was "purely based on logic," meaning feelings played no part. Or you might say someone acted "purely to help," meaning they wanted nothing for themselves. "Purely" adds emphasis and makes the point feel clear and firm.

Examples

  1. 1

    Practical decision

    The choice was purely practical, not emotional.

  2. 2

    Work motive

    He accepted the extra shifts purely for the overtime pay.

  3. 3

    Curiosity

    I asked purely out of curiosity.

    • Phrase

      out of curiosity

      because you want to know

  4. 4

    Relationship boundaries

    Their relationship is purely professional.

  5. 5

    Accidental meeting

    We met purely by chance at the station.

    • Phrase

      by chance

      accidentally, not planned

  6. 6

    Visual changes

    The redesign was purely cosmetic, so the app still works the same way.

    • Phrase

      purely cosmetic

      only changing the appearance, not the real function

  7. 7

    Personal experience

    I'm speaking purely from my own experience here.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • purelyadverb