adv C2 Proficient

verily

VEHR-uhl-ee

Verily (adv) means Truly; in fact (an old-fashioned or formal word for emphasis). Example: “Verily, I say unto you, the truth shall set you free.”

adv

Truly; in fact (an old-fashioned or formal word for emphasis).

"Verily, I say unto you, the truth shall set you free."

How to use verily

Learner’s notes

When to use it

Archaic — mostly seen today in older texts, scripture, or deliberately old-fashioned or humorous speech.

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “verily” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____, I say unto you, the truth shall set you free.

Etymology

From Middle English verray ("true"), the same root that gives us "very," plus "-ly."

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

View more →

truly

Related words

so very really actually indeed truly literally honestly

Rhymes for verily

ILY oily lily wily daily gaily Emily doily family Sicily easily bodily

See all rhymes for verily →

Frequently asked questions

What does “verily” mean?

The word “verily” means truly; in fact (an old-fashioned or formal word for emphasis).

How do you pronounce “verily”?

“Verily” is pronounced VEHR-uhl-ee (/ˈvɛɹ.əl.i/ in IPA).

How do you use “verily” in a sentence?

Here is “verily” used in a sentence: “Verily, I say unto you, the truth shall set you free.”

What is another word for “verily”?

Words with a similar meaning to “verily” include truly.

What part of speech is “verily”?

“Verily” is an adverb.

Where does the word “verily” come from?

The word “verily” comes from Middle English. From Middle English verray ("true"), the same root that gives us "very," plus "-ly.".

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include verily:

C2 vocabulary words

People also searched

so very really actually indeed truly literally honestly