solely

[sohl-lee]

adverb

1. as the only one or ones.

   solely responsible.

2. exclusively or only.

   plants found solely in the tropics.

3. merely.

   She wanted solely to get out of the house for a while.

solely

/ ˈsəʊllɪ /

adverb

1. only; completely; entirely

2. without another or others; singly; alone

3. for one thing only

Word History and Origins

Origin of solely¹

First recorded in 1485–95; sole ¹ + -ly

Example Sentences

“The government shut down some 75 newspapers and magazines, and imprisoned hundreds of people — most notably Socialist leader Eugene V. Debs — solely for things they wrote or said,” Hochschild said.

From Salon

But this list comprises solely of the top five he played against in the Champions League.

From BBC

Signing on would give universities priority access to some federal grants, but government money would not be limited solely to those schools, according to a White House official.

From Los Angeles Times

One Beverly Hills will feature botanical gardens that reflect the diverse landscape of Southern California, with drought-resistant native plants fed solely on recycled water, including rainfall and the runoff from residents’ sinks and showers.

From Los Angeles Times

“As a nonprofit, we operate solely on donations, and the loss of this equipment has been devastating.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• completely 
• entirely 
• exclusively 
• individually 
• merely 
• purely 
• simply 
• single-handedly 
• totally 
• wholly