really
/ˈrɪəli
/adverb
1In actual fact, as opposed to what is said or imagined to be true or possible: so what really happened? they’re not really my aunt and uncle [sentence adverb]: really, there are only three options...
- In actual fact I didn't really see him make many mistakes with that at all.
- In actual fact, what you really see in the television studio is a blank blue screen.
- If they really are true supporters, they might consider getting behind the club and working for its future.
Synonyms
in fact, in actual fact, actually, in reality, in point of fact, as a matter of fact, in truth, if truth be told, to tell the truth, in actuality
archaic in sooth
1.1Used to emphasize a statement or opinion: I really want to go I’m sorry, Ruth, I really am...
- It is really time that the opinions of the people of this country were heard clearly by our politicians.
- Normally, that ought to be a sure sign to someone like me that I really ought to forget about it.
- The negative ones echo my own opinion that the book really isn't very good.
1.2Seriously (used in questions and exclamations with an implied negative answer): do you really expect me to believe that?...
- Are we really entitled to shout questions at politicians and expect answers whenever we want?
- In the face of the complicated nature of pornography can any of us really answer this seemingly simple question?
- In a time of increased tensions, is further segregation really the answer?
2 [as submodifier] Very; thoroughly: I think she’s really great a really cold day...
- Before we did anything we wrote and rewrote the script until we felt what we had got written down was a really good story.
- The problem is, this is the bit about card writing and receiving I really enjoy.
- The woman who wrote it was really off with me right from the minute we met.
Synonyms
very, extremely, thoroughly, decidedly, awfully, terribly, frightfully, dreadfully, fearfully, exceptionally, exceedingly, immensely, uncommonly, remarkably, eminently, extraordinarily, most, positively, downright;
heartily;
Scottish unco;
North American quite;
French très
informal terrifically, tremendously, right, devilishly, ultra, too … for words, mucho, mega, seriously, majorly, oh-so, stinking
British informal jolly, ever so, dead, well, fair
North American informal real, mighty, awful, plumb, powerful, way, bitching
South African informal lekker
informal, dated devilish
archaic exceeding, sore
exclamation
1Used to express interest, surprise, or doubt: ‘I’ve been working hard.’ ‘Really?’...
- People remember 10%, 20%...Oh Really?
Synonyms
is that so, is that a fact, well I never, well I never did;
go on, you don't say
informal well knock/blow me down with a feather
British informal well I'll be blowed
North American informal well what do you know about that
archaic go to
1.1Used to express mild protest: really, Marjorie, you do jump to conclusions!
1.2chiefly US Used to express agreement: ‘It’s a nightmare finding somewhere to live in this town.’ ‘Yeah, really.’
Phrases
really and truly