really

adverb

re·​al·​ly ˈrē-(ə-)lē 

1

a

: in reality : actually

things as they really are

there was nothing peculiar about her doing this, really

—Peter Taylor

b

: truly, unquestionably

—used as an intensifier

a really beautiful day

c

: very sense 1

look really close

he runs really fast

2

—used to emphasize an assertion

you really should read Yeats

really, you're being ridiculous

Synonyms

• actually
• authentically
• certifiably
• genuinely
• truly
• veritably
• very

Examples of really in a Sentence

The dog runs really fast.

The water is really hot.

She's a really nice person.

I had a really good time at the party.

Recent Examples on the Web

Stewart Copeland, Phil Collins or any guy that's really famous – the sound of their drums is special and deep. —Alessandro Corona, The Enquirer, 28 June 2024

On top of that, a spark of originality or eccentricity should really pay off when the Moon finally sextiles rebel Uranus, also in Taurus. —Tarot.com, Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2024

The response has been really strong, standing ovations and everything. —Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 27 June 2024

And it’s really supposed to leave you in a place of questioning which emotion is coming through the strongest. —Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 27 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing really

• not really

Kids Definition

really

adverb

re·​al·​ly ˈrē-(ə-)lē 

ˈri(-ə)l-ē

1

: in actual fact : actually

didn't really mean it

2

: without question : truly

a really beautiful day

3

: very entry 2 sense 2

look really close

he runs really fast

4

: to be honest : frankly