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Solely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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solely

[ˈsoʊli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

used to emphasize that there is only one thing involved

exclusively or only; without any others being included or involved

Synonyms

entirely, exclusively, only, purely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solely

Use 'solely' as in the first entry; this is a repetition and already covered.

  • She is solely responsible for the success of this project.
  • I made this decision solely based on the data provided.
exclusively

Use 'exclusively' when something is limited to only a particular person or group, excluding all others.

  • This offer is exclusively available to our premium members.
  • The club is exclusively for adults over the age of 18.
only

Use 'only' to denote a single item or person that fits a description, without any others.

  • She is the only person who can help us.
  • I have only one question for you.
entirely

Use 'entirely' to indicate that something is complete or in total, without leaving any part out.

  • The room is entirely painted in white.
  • I entirely agree with your opinion.
purely

Use 'purely' to describe something that is done without any other considerations or influences, often used to emphasize the absence of other factors.

  • She did it purely out of kindness.
  • His interest in the topic is purely academic.

Examples of usage

  • She was solely responsible for the accident.
  • The decision was based solely on financial considerations.
  • The company is solely focused on innovation and growth.
Context #2 | Adjective

used to emphasize that something is the only one of its kind

belonging or restricted to one person or group of people

Synonyms

exclusive, only, unique.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solely

Used when referring to something done by a single person or mechanism; emphasizing the single element involved.

  • She was solely responsible for the entire project.
  • The decision was made solely on financial grounds.
only

Used to specify something as the single instance or factor, without including anything else. It can refer to time, quantity, or choice.

  • She was the only person who knew the secret.
  • It only took a few minutes to complete the task.
exclusive

Often used to describe something that is unique to a particular group or person and not shared with others. Can also imply special privilege or high status.

  • The club is very exclusive and only open to members.
  • They are offering an exclusive deal to their best customers.
unique

Describes something that is one of a kind or very special, without equivalent or equal.

  • Everyone has a unique fingerprint.
  • The architecture of the building is unique in this region.

Examples of usage

  • He is the sole owner of the company.
  • The sole survivor of the crash was rescued by a passing ship.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'solely'

The word 'solely' originated from the Middle English word 'sole', meaning 'single'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. Over time, 'solely' has evolved to convey the idea of exclusivity and singularity, emphasizing the unique or exclusive nature of something.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,081, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.