Langimage
English

solely

|sole-ly|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈsoʊlli/

🇬🇧

/ˈsəʊlli/

(sole)

only one

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
solesolessolessoledsoledsoling
Etymology
Etymology Information

'solely' originates from the Latin word 'solus,' meaning 'alone' or 'only.'

Historical Evolution

'solus' transformed into the Old French word 'soul,' and eventually became the modern English word 'solely.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'alone,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'exclusively or only.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

exclusively or only; not involving anyone or anything else.

She was solely responsible for the project.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45