really

adverb

re·​al·​ly ˈrē-(ə-)lē How to pronounce really (audio)
1
a
: in reality : actually
things as they really are
there was nothing peculiar about her doing this, reallyPeter 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

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 One thing is for sure, fans seem really into the idea of Andrew Garfield and Amelia Dimoldenberg. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 18 Oct. 2024 This allows the rest of the team to focus on those strategic initiatives that really move the needle. Reetu Kainulainen, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 Dave [Lee] and the animation team at Double Negative to try and convey that sense of mass, and added some subtle camera shake to it to try and really drive that home. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024 This practice misses the rich value of having the entire team really consider, candidly weigh in, and elevate the project being reviewed, call out risks or challenges, offer innovations and ideas, and even offer support and help. Keith Ferrazzi, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for really 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'really.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of really was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near really

Cite this Entry

“Really.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/really. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

really

adverb
re·​al·​ly ˈrē-(ə-)lē How to pronounce really (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on really

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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