really
REER-lee
Really (adv) means In actual fact; truly, as opposed to seeming or claiming to be so. Example: “Is it really true that he quit his job?”
adv
1
In actual fact; truly, as opposed to seeming or claiming to be so.
"Is it really true that he quit his job?"
"She really did finish the marathon in under four hours."
"Do you really think we can finish this by tomorrow?"
2
Used before an adjective or verb to mean "very" or "very much."
"That was a really long flight."
"I really appreciate your help today."
"The beach was really beautiful early in the morning."
intj
1
Used on its own to express surprise, disbelief, or a request for confirmation.
"Really? You mean the shop is closed for the whole week?"
""They're getting married." "Really?""
"Really? I had no idea they had moved away!"
How to use really
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word for emphasizing that something is true, or for intensifying another word, or a one-word reaction of surprise.
When to use it
As an interjection, "Really?" is casual and spoken — fine in conversation, best avoided in formal writing.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
really good
really not
really enjoy
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like really.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more really
- Superlative
- most really
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Is it _____ true that he quit his job?
Etymology
Formed from re- and ally.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for really
See all rhymes for really →Frequently asked questions
What does “really” mean?
The word “really” means in actual fact; truly, as opposed to seeming or claiming to be so. In plain terms, a word for emphasizing that something is true, or for intensifying another word, or a one-word reaction of surprise.
How do you pronounce “really”?
“Really” is pronounced REER-lee (/ˈɹɪl.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “really” in a sentence?
Here is “really” used in a sentence: “Is it really true that he quit his job?”
What is another word for “really”?
Words with a similar meaning to “really” include in fact, indeed, truly, gosh, is that so and no kidding.
What part of speech is “really”?
Depending on how it is used, “really” can be an adverb and an intj.
Is “really” a common word?
“Really” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “really” have?
“Really” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in actual fact; truly, as opposed to seeming or claiming to be so.
What is the difference between really and very?
In its true sense, really means 'in actual fact' — 'What really happened?' Very simply intensifies — 'very tired' means to a high degree. The confusion arises because really is also used loosely as an intensifier ('really tired'). But in the factual sense, really contrasts appearance with reality, while very just measures degree.
What is the difference between really and actually?
They are close and often interchangeable. Really stresses that something is true rather than merely apparent — 'Is he really leaving?' Actually tends to correct a mistaken assumption or introduce a surprising fact — 'Actually, the meeting is on Tuesday.' Both point to the truth, but actually leans towards setting the record straight.
Is really formal or informal?
Really sits on the informal side, especially when used to intensify ('really good') or to react in conversation ('Oh, really?'). In its factual sense — 'what really occurred' — it is neutral and fine in most writing. For very formal prose, 'in fact,' 'truly,' or 'genuinely' can feel more polished.
What is an example of 'really'?
In the factual sense, really separates truth from appearance: 'She seems calm, but is she really?' or 'That is not really gold, it is plated.' Here really insists on what is actually the case, cutting through how things merely look or what someone claims.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include really:
