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

There is no chemistry there of any sort that is really out of equilibrium with the environment, Mojzsis, a professor at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, told me. —Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Independent entrepreneurs who really shine are thriving in their lane. —Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2024

Klum’s star really began to take off in the next few years, with her stint on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 1998, her first strut down the runway as a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 1999, and her hosting gig for Project Runway starting in 2004. —Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2024

So just to address that part of it, that feels really hard. —Jack Irvin, People.com, 30 Oct. 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