verily
Americanadverb
adverb
Etymology
Origin of verily
Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at very, -ly
Explanation
Use the adverb verily when you need an old-fashioned way to say "certainly." For example, you might say, "I verily believe that's the ugliest sweater I've ever seen." You can use the word verily to mean "truthfully," although people may not know what you're talking about, since it's mostly found in very old-fashioned writing, from the Bible to Shakespeare. In fact, Shakespeare is probably the writer most associated with the word verily: "Verily, I swear, 'tis better to be lowly born," he writes in "Henry VIII." The root is Middle English combination of very and ly, originally verraily.
Vocabulary lists containing verily
"The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Tolkien Reading Day, List 4
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
I’m sure the cast, which includes Eggers regulars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe and Ralph Ineson, had fun, verily.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2026
An article in The Muskogee Comet, a Black newspaper, from June 23, 1904, proclaimed that the Tulsa area “may verily be called the Eden of the West for the colored people.”
From New York Times • May 25, 2021
We believe verily to see the goodness of the Lord.
From Washington Times • Apr. 16, 2021
I liketh not the egg of greenish hue, Nor care I for thy cut of proffered ham, So, verily, if to myself be true, I shall not eat thy dish, Sir Sam-I-Am.
From Washington Post • May 16, 2019
It shone now as if verily it was wrought of living fire.
From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
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.
