What does "really" mean?
Alternative form of re-ally.
Really
/ˈɹɪə.li/ adv, intj, verb, slang
adv, intj, verb, slang ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Alternative form of re-ally.
- Grammar: really is listed as adv, intj, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: genuinely, truly, very, absolutely.
- Useful contrasts: barely, calmly, falsely.
- Usage evidence: If anyone was to ask what the point of the story is, I really don't know.
How to use "really"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "really" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "really" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "really" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "really" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "really" is acting as adv, intj, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "genuinely" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "really", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 Alternative form of re-ally. alt-of, alternative
"She wished since long to die and to be reallied with her children in heaven."
Adverb
- 1 In a way or manner that is real, not unreal.
"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."
- 2 Actually; in fact; in reality. modal
""He really is a true friend." / "Really? What makes you so sure?""
- 3 Very (modifying an adjective); very much (modifying a verb). informal
"But ma, I really, really want to go to the show!"
Adverb
- 1 used to give emphasis wordnet
- 2 in accordance with truth or fact or reality wordnet
- 3 in fact (used as intensifiers or sentence modifiers) wordnet
- 4 in actual fact wordnet
Intj
- 1 Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism. informal
"A: He won the Nobel Prize yesterday."
- 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. broadly, informal
"A: You know, I saw Oliver the other day."
- 3 Indicating that what was just said was obvious and unnecessary; contrived incredulity informal, sarcastic
"A: I've just been reading Shakespeare - he's one of the best authors like, ever!"
- 4 Indicating affirmation, agreement. US, informal
"A: That girl talks about herself way too much."
- 5 Indicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or statement. informal
"Well, really! How rude."
Example
"If anyone was to ask what the point of the story is, I really don't know."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "really"?
Common synonyms include: genuinely, truly, very, absolutely, actually, actually.
How do you use "really" in a sentence?
If anyone was to ask what the point of the story is, I really don't know.
How do you pronounce "really"?
Pronounced /ˈɹɪə.li/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English really, realy, rialliche, equivalent to real + -ly.
Etymology 2
From re- + ally.