Solely

Definition

Solely is an adverb which means without any others being included or involved, or only.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsoʊlli/
• Respelling: SOLE-lee (with "SOLE" as in "sole" of a shoe and "lee" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsəʊlli/
• Respelling: SOLE-lee (similar to American English, with "SOLE" as in "sole" of a shoe and "lee" like in "see")

In both dialects, "solely" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "SOLE." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, accurately reflecting the word's structure and emphasis.

Etymology

The adverb "solely" is derived from the adjective "sole," which originates from the Latin word solus meaning alone or only. The suffix "-ly" was added to "sole" to form the adverb, following a common pattern in English where "-ly" is appended to adjectives to form adverbs.

Derivatives

• Sole
• Soleness
• Solitary
• Solitude
• Solo

Synonyms

• Exclusively
• Only
• Entirely

Antonyms

• Partially
• Jointly
• Together

Usage

"Solely" is utilized to emphasize the exclusiveness or singular nature of a subject. It is often used in formal contexts to stress the only factor or individual involved in a situation or the lone purpose behind an action.

Related Terms

• Sole
• Solo
• Exclusively
• Only
• Singularly

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• Exclusively: Without any others being included or involved; to the exclusion of anything else.
• Example: The project was solely her idea, with no input from others.

• Only: And nothing more or else; simply or merely.
• Example: The road is solely for pedestrian use.