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

The vile memes, violence, anti-Semitism, homophobia and anti-trans hate that were so commonplace in the Proud Boys were all really just a big joke — trolling, Rehl said. —Will Carless, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025

Most think his goal, at least partially, is really to open up negotiations for something else. —Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2025

But yeah, the film having so many of the ex-inmates who were part of this program was really powerful. —Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2025

The superstar era really began in 1993 with Michael Jackson. —Bloomberg News, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2025

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