purely
purely — 副詞
1. used to emphasize that something is limited to just one specific thing, with not
純粹；僅僅
僅涉及某事物，無其他成分
used to emphasize that something is limited to just one specific thing, with nothing else involved — for example, a purely financial decision, or a purely academic question with no practical application.
The decision to hire Wren was based on purely professional considerations, not friendship.
雇用 Wren 的決定純粹基於專業考量，而非友誼。
purely + adjective + noun (purely professional considerations)
Tariro reads science fiction for purely entertainment purposes, never for study.
Tariro 閱讀科幻小說純粹是為了娛樂，從不為了學習。
purely + noun as modifier (purely entertainment purposes)
The meeting was arranged for purely administrative reasons, with no political agenda.
這次會議是純粹因行政理由而召開，沒有任何政治意圖。
Cyrus treated the question as a purely academic matter, with no practical use.
Cyrus 將這個問題視為純粹的學術議題，沒有任何實用價值。
The donation was a purely symbolic gesture, costing nothing but meaning a lot.
那筆捐款純粹是象徵性的舉動，不需花費什麼卻意義重大。
- solely
stronger emphasis on exclusiveness; 'solely responsible' sounds more forceful than 'purely responsible'
- merely
often downplays importance; 'merely a suggestion' feels dismissive, while 'purely a suggestion' is neutral
- simply
more informal and everyday; 'simply a mistake' is more conversational than 'purely a mistake'
- partly
indicates only some elements are involved, the opposite of 'restricted to one thing'
文法句型
purely + noun phrase
purely + adjective + noun
用法筆記
Frequently modifies a noun directly (e.g., 'purely academic') to set a single focus. Often contrasts the stated factor against others the reader might assume are involved.
常見錯誤
2. happening or being done for exactly one reason, with no other purpose intended —
僅為；純為
因為單一目的，無其他意圖
happening or being done for exactly one reason, with no other purpose intended — for example, visiting a place purely for pleasure, or making a change purely because of the cost.
Lara took the evening job purely to save money for her university fees.
Lara 接下晚間工作僅是為了存大學學費。
purely + to-infinitive clause
The garden was redesigned purely for visual beauty, with no vegetables or herbs.
花園經過重新設計，純粹是為了美觀，沒有種植蔬菜或香草。
purely + for + noun phrase
Ishaan attended the training course purely because his manager required it.
Ishaan 參加培訓課程僅是因為主管要求。
The new policy was introduced purely to protect local shops from big chains.
這項新政策僅是為了保護本地商店不受大型連鎖店影響。
The family moved to the coast purely to be closer to their elderly parents.
這家人搬到海邊，純粹是為了離年邁的父母更近一些。
- exclusively
stronger; 'exclusively for members' bars everything else, while 'purely for members' is softer
- solely
interchangeable in this sense; 'solely for decoration' means the same as 'purely for decoration'
- also
implies an additional purpose; opposite of 'single purpose'
文法句型
purely + to-infinitive clause
purely + for + noun phrase
purely + because + clause
用法筆記
Commonly combines with to-infinitive clauses ('purely to…'), for-phrases ('purely for…'), or because-clauses ('purely because…'). The structure makes clear that there is no hidden or secondary motive.
常見錯誤
3. used before an adjective or participle to mean 'completely' or 'in every way' —
完全；徹底
完全地修飾形容詞或分詞
used before an adjective or participle to mean 'completely' or 'in every way' — for example, a purely accidental meeting, or ingredients that are purely natural with nothing artificial added.
Andrei's promotion was purely unexpected — he had not even applied for it.
Andrei 的升遷完全出乎意料——他根本沒有申請這個職位。
purely + adjective (purely unexpected)
The soap is made from purely natural ingredients, with no added chemicals.
這款肥皂由純天然成分製成，沒有添加任何化學物質。
purely + adjective + noun (purely natural ingredients)
Eri's reaction to the loud noise was purely instinctive and automatic.
Eri 對巨大噪音的反應完全是本能且不由自主的。
The match was cancelled for purely weather-related reasons, not safety issues.
比賽因純粹的天氣因素而取消，而非安全問題。
Inês's interest in the job offer was purely financial, with no personal attachment.
Inês 對這份工作機會的興趣完全是出於財務考量，沒有個人情感因素。
- entirely
focuses on completeness of degree; 'entirely different' means different in every respect
- completely
focuses on all aspects being covered; more common in everyday speech than 'purely' in this sense
- wholly
more formal and typical of written English; 'wholly unacceptable' sounds stronger than 'purely unacceptable'
- partially
means only to some degree; the opposite of 'completely'
文法句型
purely + adjective
purely + past participle
purely + noun-derived adjective
用法筆記
Only used before adjectives and participles, not before main verbs. Compare 'purely accidental' (correct) with 'It purely happened' (incorrect — use 'completely happened' or 'happened purely by accident').