Purely vs. Simply — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 1, 2023
Purely implies something in its absolute, unmixed form, while Simply often denotes ease or lack of complexity.
Difference Between Purely and Simply
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Purely speaks to the absolute and unmixed nature of something, reflecting a singular kind or type. Simply, on the other hand, might reference a lack of complication or effort, reflecting something that is straightforward or unadorned. Purely often navigates towards a concentration or exclusive presence of one element, while simply can address the manner or mode in which something is presented or exists.
When we observe purely, it often points to an absence of contamination or dilution, ensuring that what is being referred to is ‘pure’ in its form or intent. Simply, contrastingly, may denote a minimalistic approach or state, possibly void of unnecessary additives, not necessarily in content but in form or presentation. Purely can navigate towards the essence, while simply can navigate towards the representation.
In scenarios where intent is discussed, purely can imply a singular, undistracted motivation or reason behind an action. Simply, in such contexts, might point towards an uncomplicated, clear reason or method behind an action. Purely seeks clarity in intention, while simply seeks clarity in explanation or process.
Looking at emotion, purely can express a feeling that is unadulterated and singular in its existence. Simply, while discussing emotion, might suggest an easy, undemanding, or evident emotional state or expression. Purely taps into the depth or intensity of the feeling, while simply taps into its uncomplicated presentation or perception.
Considering quality, purely might suggest an undiluted, unaltered, and high standard or form of something. Simply might not denote quality but rather point towards the lack of difficulty or complexity in something, not emphasizing its essence but its ease or straightforwardness. Purely correlates often with essence and quality, while simply correlates often with ease and straightforwardness.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Wholly, entirely
Without complexity, easily
Usage in a sentence
"It was purely a business decision."
"It was simply explained."
Context usage
Often used to denote undiluted form or intent
Used to denote lack of complication or straightforwardness
Connotations
May imply exclusivity or singled-out quality
Might imply ease or minimalism
Synonyms
Entirely, solely
Merely, just
Compare with Definitions
Purely
Solely or exclusively.
The event was purely educational.
Simply
Easily or readily.
The task was simply done.
Purely
With singular intent.
The move was purely strategic.
Simply
Without addition or embellishment.
The room was decorated simply.
Purely
Wholly or entirely.
It was purely a coincidence.
Simply
In a plain and unadorned way
Dresses simply.
Purely
Free from adulteration.
The substance is purely organic.
Simply
In an unambiguous way; clearly
Explained the concept simply.
Purely
Without mixture or combination.
The color was purely white.
Simply
Not wisely or sensibly; foolishly.
Purely
Having a homogeneous or uniform composition; not mixed
Pure oxygen.
Simply
Merely; only
It is simply a matter of time.
Purely
Free of dirt, pollutants, infectious agents, or other unwanted elements
Pure water.
Simply
Absolutely; altogether
Simply delicious.
Purely
Containing nothing inappropriate or extraneous
A pure style of piano playing.
Simply
Frankly; candidly
You are, quite simply, the best candidate for the job.
Purely
Complete; utter
Pure folly.
Simply
(manner) In a simple way or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; alone.
Purely
Having no moral failing or guilt
"I felt pure and sweet as a new baby" (Sylvia Plath).
Simply
(manner) Plainly; without art or subtlety
Purely
Chaste; virgin.
Simply
(manner) Foolishly; stupidly.
Purely
Of unmixed blood or ancestry.
Simply
(focus) Merely; solely.
I was simply asking a question.
Purely
(Genetics) Produced by self-fertilization or continual inbreeding; homozygous
A pure line.
Simply
(degree) absolutely, positively.
That was a simply wonderful dessert.
Purely
(Music) Free from discordant qualities
Pure tones.
Simply
Frankly.
Simply, he just fired you.
Purely
(Linguistics) Articulated with a single unchanging speech sound; monophthongal
A pure vowel.
Simply
In a simple manner or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; along; merely; solely; barely.
[They] make that now good or evil, . . . which otherwise of itself were not simply the one or the other.
Simply the thing I amShall make me live.
Purely
Theoretical; not applied
Pure science.
Simply
Plainly; without art or subtlety.
Subverting worldly strong and worldly wiseBy simply meek.
Purely
(Philosophy) Free of empirical elements
Pure reason.
Simply
Weakly; foolishly.
Purely
Wholly; really, completely.
Simply
And nothing more;
I was merely asking
It is simply a matter of time
Just a scratch
He was only a child
Hopes that last but a moment
Purely
Solely; exclusively; merely, simply.
Simply
Absolutely; altogether; really;
We are simply broke
Purely
Chastely, innocently; in a sinless manner, without fault.
Simply
In a simple manner; without extravagance or embellishment;
She was dressed plainly
They lived very simply
Purely
Without physical adulterants; refinedly, with no admixture.
Simply
Absolutely;
I just can't take it anymore
He was just grand as Romeo
It's simply beautiful!
Purely
In a pure manner (in any sense of the adjective).
Simply
In a straightforward manner.
It was simply incredible.
Purely
Nicely; prettily.
Simply
Merely or only.
It was simply a mistake.
Purely
Restricted to something;
We talked strictly business
Simply
Without undue elaboration.
She put it simply.
Common Curiosities
What does purely mean?
Purely signifies something that is wholly or entirely in its form or intent.
How to use purely in a sentence?
"Her decision was purely based on facts."
How to use simply in a sentence?
"He explained it simply."
Does purely always denote quality?
Not always, but it often implies an undiluted or unaltered state which may imply quality.
What does simply mean?
Simply implies a lack of complexity or is used to denote something straightforward or easy.
Can purely and simply be used interchangeably?
No, purely emphasizes absolute or unaltered state, while simply highlights ease or lack of complexity.
Can something be simply pure?
Yes, if something is straightforwardly unadulterated or clean, it is simply pure.
Can purely be used in the context of emotion?
Yes, e.g., "He was purely joyful," implying his joy was unmingled with other emotions.
Can simply be used to describe quality?
Rarely. Simply usually addresses the manner or presentation rather than intrinsic quality.
Does purely have synonyms?
Yes, synonyms include entirely, solely, and exclusively.
What are synonyms of simply?
Merely, just, and only can be synonyms.
Is purely a formal term?
It's not strictly formal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Is simply a casual term?
Simply can be utilized in both casual and formal communication.
Can something be purely simple?
Yes, if it is entirely without complexity, it is purely simple.
Does simply always denote ease?
Frequently, but it can also mean merely or only.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
