really — English Dictionary

Adverb

1. In a way or manner that is real, not unreal.

   Examples

   More examples (3)

   We are to believe that by an extraordinary Conception by Means of the holy Ghost he in an extraordinary MANNER, (unknown to us) really assumed Flesh, and was by her nourished in the Womb and in due Time born in a natural Manner, and that whilst on Earth he was really hungry, and dry, and eat and drank as really as other Men, without, any Deception of Sight in us or Delusion whatsoever.

   If we take the phenomenal world as it strikes our senses, in all its varied and wonderful powers and aspects; as the mere symbol of the Divine Presence and power, that is, according to Christ, ever in, through, and over all, as really as are causal light, heat and gravity, or as really as our own life and souls pervade every atom of our bodies, [...]

   Thus Brahman must be described as ‘really real’, while a rope, or a person, or God Himself, is ‘unreally real’. And it is only the Vedantin who can distinguish the real from the unreal, for to others all seems real.

2. Actually; in fact; in reality.

   Usage

   • modal

   Examples

   "He really is a true friend." / "Really? What makes you so sure?"

3. Very (modifying an adjective); very much (modifying a verb).

   Usage

   • Informal
   • as an intensifier

   Examples

   But ma, I really, really want to go to the show!

   More examples (2)

   It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers.

   There was also hairdressing: hairdressing, too, really was hairdressing in those times — no running a comb through it and that was that. It was curled, frizzed, waved, put in curlers overnight, waved with hot tongs;[…].

Interjection

1. Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism.

   Usage

   • Informal

   Examples

   A: He won the Nobel Prize yesterday.

   B: Really?

2. Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism. A phatic confirmation by a listener, to signal active listening; mostly devoid of literal meaning, with the phatically contrived incredulity being merely formulaic.

   Usage

   • broadly
   • Informal

   Examples

   A: You know, I saw Oliver the other day.

   B: Really? What's he been up to?

   More examples (1)

   "Literally" is not the only word that has lost touch with reality: look at "really." That word also was meant to describe a state of reality, or literalness. Even as a substitute for "Is that so?," the word asked, "Is that true, or real?" Nowadays, one guy goes, "I literally flew off the handle," and the other guy goes "Really." It's a grunt, meaning, "I'm still here."

3. Indicating that what was just said was obvious and unnecessary; contrived incredulity

   Usage

   • Informal
   • sarcastic

   Examples

   A: I've just been reading Shakespeare - he's one of the best authors like, ever!

   B: Really?

4. Indicating affirmation, agreement.

   Usage

   • US usage
   • Informal

   Examples

   A: That girl talks about herself way too much.

   B: Really. She's a nightmare.

5. Indicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or statement.

   Usage

   • Informal

   Examples

   Well, really! How rude.

Adverb

1. in accordance with truth or fact or reality

   Synonyms

   trulygenuinely

   Examples

   she was now truly American

   a genuinely open society

   More examples (1)

   they don't really listen to us

2. in actual fact

   Synonyms

   actuallyproperly speakingstrictly speakingto be precise

   Examples

   to be nominally but not actually independent

   no one actually saw the shark

   More examples (2)

   large meteorites actually come from the asteroid belt

   properly speaking, they are not husband and wife

3. in fact (used as intensifiers or sentence modifiers)

   Synonyms

   in truthtruly

   Examples

   in truth, moral decay hastened the decline of the Roman Empire

   really, you shouldn't have done it

   More examples (1)

   a truly awful book

4. used to give emphasis

   Synonyms

   veryrealrattlingmostpreciouspreciously

   Examples

   she was very gifted

   he played very well

   More examples (5)

   a really enjoyable evening

   I'm real sorry about it

   a rattling good yarn

   a most welcome relief

   there is precious little time left