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

“There have been a couple of times when I thought I’d lost it. If I ever did, it really would be a big problem for me.”

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"School is such an important part of their life for so many reasons and I feel they have been really badly neglected and as a mummy, this makes me really sad."

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Abby has already had the area under her eyes injected as part of a three-course treatment at the clinic - and she's really pleased with the results.

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"We were so shocked. And then we were told later, it had to be that way, and they couldn't really give anyone a heads up."

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“The threat of guest workers is really concerning because they are planning to replace local workers with H-2A workers that will make finding work more difficult,” Panfilo said in a statement.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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