really
UK /ˈɹɪə.li/ · US /ˈɹɪl.i/ adverb, interjection
Forms reallies reallying reallied real-ly
- adverb (literal) In a way or manner that is real, not unreal.
- adverb (modal) Actually; in fact; in reality. “"He really is a true friend." / "Really? What makes you so sure?"”
- adverb (informal, as an intensifier) Very (modifying an adjective); very much (modifying a verb). “But ma, I really, really want to go to the show!”
- interjection (informal) Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism.
- interjection (informal, by extension) A phatic confirmation by a listener, to signal active listening; mostly devoid of literal meaning, with the phatically contrived incredulity being merely formulaic.
- interjection (informal, sarcastic, typically exaggerated question.) Indicating that what was just said was obvious and unnecessary; contrived incredulity
- interjection (informal, chiefly US) Indicating affirmation, agreement.
- interjection (informal) Indicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or statement. “Well, really! How rude.”
- adverb (nonstandard) (obsolete) Rare spelling of really.
Synonyms
actually in fact indeed truly so gosh is that so no kidding no really no way oh dear oh my oh really you don't say wow genuinely in truth very real rattling
Etymology
From Middle English really, realy, rialliche, equivalent to real + -ly.
Webster’s 1913
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “really”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details