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

So, that as the image of the fallout of losing the patriarchal head of the family and the head of state is really astute and quite thrilling. —Radhika Seth, Vogue, 13 June 2024

Well, California homes still sell (slowly), our roads are filled with new vehicles, and our shopping centers are busy because many bosses in the Golden State pay really well. —Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 13 June 2024

She's really stepped into it with wonderful energy. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 13 June 2024

But if somebody just like them goes and says, ‘No, this is really what’s happening,’ people listen. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 12 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