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

To really level up your observing, a telescope will offer a good view of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, the enormous storm swirling south of its equator. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024

There might be some jitters in the bond markets, because bond markets are really upset about inflation and tariffs and all that. —Jenni Reid,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024

It’s designed really well in a way that lifts the coffee filter, giving some breathing room between the device and the filter. —Andrew Watman, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2024

The Helen-Sam relationship really becomes the focal point of the series. —Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 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