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

Maybe the Evil Empire really has relocated to the West Coast. —Chris Kirschner, The Athletic, 29 Jan. 2025

That really showed me that not every teacher [supports me]. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025

Sometimes, when things really don’t work out between roommates, members ask Frank and Kat to intervene. —Violet Piper, Curbed, 28 Jan. 2025

The good news for the newly single is that time really can heal things. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 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