really

[ ree-uh-lee, ree-lee ]

adverb

1. in reality; actually:

   to see things as they really are.

2. genuinely or truly:

   a really honest man.

3. indeed:

   Really, this is too much.

interjection

1. (used to express surprise, exasperation, etc.)

really

/ ˈrɪəlɪ /

adverb

1. in reality; in actuality; assuredly

   it's really quite harmless

2. truly; genuinely

   really beautiful

interjection

1. an exclamation of dismay, disapproval, doubt, surprise, etc
2. not really?
   an exclamation of surprise or polite doubt

Usage

See very

Word History and Origins

Origin of really¹

First recorded in 1400–50; real ¹( def ) + -ly ( def )

Example Sentences

“We really support our designers and brands to have a more free-flowing approach, so they don’t have to go by traditional means whatsoever,” says Pardo.

From Los Angeles Times

"Oh, I bet you really laid down the gauntlet, Joe. I bet you walked in there and let him have it," Stewart joked.

From Salon

In written evidence to the inquest, Hayley Senior, Miss Senior's mother, had told the hearing her daughter had grown up as “a happy, sassy and really jolly girl”.

From BBC

"I am sure that Kelly would be really proud of you."

From BBC

It went really well, it sold out in a day, and then it became a challenge of, let’s do more of these but let’s really play with the elements of it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absolutely
• actually
• certainly
• easily
• genuinely
• honestly
• indeed
• legitimately
• literally
• surely
• truly
• undoubtedly
• unquestionably
• well