really
Americanadverb
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in reality; actually.
to see things as they really are.
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genuinely or truly.
a really honest man.
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indeed.
Really, this is too much.
interjection
adverb
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in reality; in actuality; assuredly
it's really quite harmless
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truly; genuinely
really beautiful
interjection
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an exclamation of dismay, disapproval, doubt, surprise, etc
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an exclamation of surprise or polite doubt
Etymology
Origin of really
First recorded in 1400–50; real 1 ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Explanation
The adverb really refers to something actual or genuine. If your ring is really pure gold, does that mean he really likes you? Although the actual origin of really is unknown, it was first used in the 15th Century in the Eucharist, referring to the actual presence of Christ, and that definition holds today. Another use of the word, that of a questioning interjection ("Oh, really?"), was first recorded in 1815 and carries with it a sense of disbelief. Oh, really? You're late to work because the bus was attacked by a pack of wild boars? Do you really expect your boss to believe that?
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Really, we all did: We’d heard the evidence, followed the president’s thinking, chosen to trust his judgment.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
In his book “Indispensable: When Leaders Really Matter,” Mukunda showed that “most of the CEOs who try to radically transform a company will fail.”
From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026
“It was tricky out there. Just hit it great. Really thankful for a good finish.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026
"Oh, my gosh, that's so hard. Really hard, isn't it?" she said.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
“Mercer said it was wrong but I should do it anyhow. Really weird. Sometimes it’s better to do something wrong than right.”
From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
