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How to Say "purely" in Spanish

English → Spanish

puramente

/poo-rah-MEN-teh//puɾaˈmente/

adverbB1general
Use 'puramente' when you mean that something is entirely or exclusively something, with no other factors involved.
A single, bright red apple sitting alone in a plain white bowl, symbolizing something that is purely and exclusively one thing.

Examples

Esto es puramente una coincidencia.

This is purely a coincidence.

Lo hizo puramente por curiosidad.

He did it simply out of curiosity.

Es un trámite puramente administrativo.

It is a strictly administrative procedure.

Creating adverbs with -mente

To make this word, we take the feminine version of 'puro' (which is 'pura') and add '-mente' to the end. It's just like adding '-ly' in English!

Where to put it

You usually place this word right before the adjective it describes (like 'puramente técnico') or after the action it describes.

Using the wrong ending

Mistake: “puromente”

Correction: puramente. When adding '-mente', always use the 'a' ending of the base word if it has one.

meramente

/meh-rah-MEN-teh//meɾaˈmente/

adverbB2general
Choose 'meramente' when emphasizing that something is only or simply a particular thing, without any additional substance or importance.
A single, simple red apple sitting alone on a plain wooden table.

Examples

Esto es meramente una formalidad.

This is merely a formality.

Su participación fue meramente decorativa.

His participation was purely decorative.

Lo digo meramente por curiosidad, no por otra razón.

I am saying it just out of curiosity, for no other reason.

The '-mente' Ending

In Spanish, adding '-mente' to the end of a describing word is just like adding '-ly' in English. It describes how something is happening.

Placement in a Sentence

You usually place 'meramente' right before the word it is describing to show that it is 'only' or 'just' that thing.

Using it in very casual talk

Mistake: “Using 'meramente' while hanging out with friends to say 'I just want water'.”

Correction: In casual talk, use 'solo' or 'solamente'. Save 'meramente' for when you want to sound more precise or professional.

estrictamente

/es-treek-tah-MEN-teh//estɾiktaˈmente/

adverbB2general
Use 'estrictamente' when 'purely' implies 'strictly speaking' or 'in a strict sense', focusing on precise definition or adherence to rules.
A single, perfect red apple sitting alone on a plain white pedestal.

Examples

Estrictamente hablando, él no es el dueño.

Strictly speaking, he is not the owner.

Es un asunto estrictamente profesional.

It is a purely professional matter.

Adding 'hablando'

When you want to say 'strictly speaking', you just add 'hablando' (speaking) after 'estrictamente'.

Choosing Between 'Puramente' and 'Meramente'

Learners often confuse 'puramente' and 'meramente'. Remember that 'puramente' emphasizes the absolute nature or exclusivity of something, while 'meramente' highlights that something is *only* that thing and nothing more, often implying less significance.

Related Translations

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