solely
gb/sˈoʊəli/ us/sˈoʊəli/
B2
English
~ 6200
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
B2
property
1
only; and not involving anything else
Only; not with anyone or anything else.
Usage pattern:
solely [for/because of/on/by] [something]; based solely on [something]
Common mistake:
Learners often use *solely* where *only* is more natural in everyday speech (e.g., "I solely like coffee" sounds odd; "I only like coffee" is better). Another common mistake is using *solely* as an adjective (*a solely decision*), but it is an adverb and should modify verbs, adjectives, or whole clauses ("a solely financial decision" is also incorrect; say "a purely financial decision" or "a decision based solely on finances"). Word order can also cause problems: *solely* usually comes before the word or phrase it limits ("based solely on price", not "based on solely price").
Synonyms
only (Most common everyday alternative; less formal in tone than "solely".)
|
exclusively (Very close in meaning, often used when stressing that other options are excluded.)
|
purely (Similar meaning but can also suggest a simple or non-mixed quality, not just absence of other people/things.)
Antonyms
partly (Shows that something is shared with other causes, people, or things, not done or caused by just one.)
Collocations
solely responsible
|solely liable
|based solely on
|motivated solely by
|rely solely on
|solely for the purpose of
Themes
daily life
|business
|law
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She is solely responsible for hiring new staff.
- The decision was based solely on price, not on quality.
- This charity exists solely to support local families in need.
- He acted solely out of fear, not out of anger.
- The company trades solely online and has no physical stores.
Learner examples
- He is solely to blame for the problem.
- The show is made solely for children.
- They chose the hotel solely because it was cheap.
- My choice was based solely on your advice.
- This room is used solely for meetings.
Grammar
Dictionary form
solely
IPA
GB/sˈoʊəli/
US/sˈoʊəli/
Syllables & stress
solely (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (solely)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: solely
- Plural: solelies
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.