puramente

Puramente is an adverb used in Spanish and Portuguese to express that something is true in a strictly intrinsic or exclusive sense, corresponding to English “purely,” “merely,” or “simply.” It modifies adjectives, nouns, or entire clauses to delimit the scope of a statement, often signaling a contrast with other possible interpretations.

Etymology and forms: In both languages puramente is formed from the adjective puro (“pure”) with the adverbial suffix -mente. The construction is attested since medieval Spanish and early modern Portuguese, and the form is today found across formal and informal registers.

Usage and examples: In Spanish, examples include puramente teórico, puramente estético, or “Es puramente por casualidad.” In Portuguese, puramente teórico, puramente instrumental, or “Isso é puramente uma coincidência.” The word is frequently used in academic, philosophical, legal, or literary contexts to emphasize the essential character of a statement. It can also convey understatement by limiting attribution to the nature of the subject, not its quantity or degree.

Nuances and equivalents: While synonyms include solamente, únicamente, and simplesmente, puramente carries a nuance of intrinsic nature rather than degree. It should not be confused with completamente (“completely”) or totalmente (“totally”), which express extent rather than essence.

See also: puro, purificar, pureza, -mente suffix.