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. an exclamation of surprise or polite doubt

Word History and Origins

Origin of really¹

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

Example Sentences

We both had losses of parents really early on in our lives.

From Los Angeles Times

“And that really has huge implications globally if another health emergency were to arise.”

From BBC

The way Chelsea's formation was initially, we didn't really expect that.

From BBC

"A refund isn't really going to reverse years of sun damage, is it?" one wrote in response to Ultra Violette's recall statement.

From BBC

“That would be really cool. So they came up with one and he looks pretty menacing.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absolutely 
• actually 
• certainly 
• easily 
• genuinely 
• honestly 
• indeed 
• legitimately www.thesaurus.com
• literally 
• surely 
• truly 
• undoubtedly 
• unquestionably 
• well