purely
/'pjuəli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- Exclusively; solely; involving nothing else: Used to emphasize that something is done, exists, or is considered only in relation to the thing mentioned, without any other factors or motives.
- In a pure manner; in a way that is not mixed or adulterated: Used to describe something done with complete sincerity, honesty, or without contamination.
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- The decision was made purely on the basis of cost. (The decision was based only on cost and no other factors.)
- She donated the money purely out of kindness. (Her only motive for donating was kindness.)
- This is a purely theoretical discussion. (This discussion is only about theory, not practical application.)
Advanced Usage
- "purely and simply": Used for strong emphasis to mean "for the sole reason that" or "nothing more than."
- I'm telling you this purely and simply because you deserve to know. (I am telling you this for the single, simple reason that you deserve to know.)
- "purely coincidental": Happening by chance alone, with no causal connection.
- Our meeting at the airport was purely coincidental. (Our meeting happened only by chance.)
Variants and Related Words
- Pure (adj): Not mixed or adulterated; complete and total.
- It was an act of pure generosity.
- Purify (verb): To make something pure by removing contaminants.
- The water is purified before drinking.
Synonyms
- Solely: Only; involving nothing else.
- Exclusively: Only; to the exclusion of others.
- Merely: Just; only; and nothing more (often downplaying significance).
Related Phrases
- Purely academic: Having no practical purpose or consequence; only of theoretical interest.
- The question of what might have happened is purely academic now.
- Purely formal: Done only because it is required by custom or rule, not out of genuine feeling.
- The interview was a purely formal procedure; the job was already hers.
Adverb
- restricted to something
- we talked strictly business