Purely
/ˈpjʊrli/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adverbOnly, and not for any other reason or purpose.
Extra definitions
adverbOnly or completely.
adverbFor one stated reason.
adverbIn an unmixed or theoretical way.
Sentence Examples
The decision was purely practical.
She joined purely to learn.
This is a purely technical question.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
None
Antonyms:
None
Word Origin & History
From Middle English purely, equivalent to pure + -ly.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
“I am fascinated by the entire scene, I purely am.”
— 1962, Warren Miller, Flush Times:
“The IRA should "lead by example" and "unilaterally" abandon paramilitary violence and adopt a purely political strategy, a leading Sinn Féin MP urged yesterday.”
— 8 April 2005, Owen Bowcott, The Guardian:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The decision was ____ practical.