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 of really

• very
• actually
• truly

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

Rooms From studios through two-beds with a den, the 117 bright and contemporary rooms—apartments, really—range from spacious to sprawling. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026

But the best part of this whole moment was Teresa making a joke about one day having to move out of her new husband Luis’s house herself, which really tickled Joe over the phone. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 30 July 2026

One of the most prolific and mesmerizing duos in sports history, really, offered an encouraging early reprisal. — Vahe Gregorian july 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

But what really sets the brewery apart is its spirit of community, which draws people of all ages, including non-beer lovers, through weekly and seasonal events, like Star Wars Weekend and Creek-i-Tiki Luau. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing really

• not really

Rhymes for really

• billie
• billy
• chilli
• chilly
• dilly
• filly
• frilly
• gillie
• gilly
• hilly
• lily
• philly

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