DictionaryAI

really

RI-lee/ˈɹɪli/UKRI-uh-lee/ˈɹɪə.li/

5 meanings of really

Practice

  1. 1
    veryadverbcolloquial
    Very or very much, used to make a describing word or action stronger.

    Like turning up the volume on a word.

    The movie was really funny.

    I really like your new bike.

    UsageSay I really like it (not incorrect: very like).

    Similarvery, truly, extremely

  2. 2
    adverbmodal
    Actually or truly, rather than just seeming true, being imagined, or being pretended.

    The snake looked dangerous, but it was really harmless.

    He acts confident, but really he is quite shy.

    Similargenuinely

  3. 3
    interjectioncolloquial
    Said after hearing something to show surprise or interest, to check it is true, or to show you doubt it.

    "We won the contest!" "Really? That's great news!"

    "He says he met the president once." "Really? I find that hard to believe."

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    disapprovalinterjectioncolloquial
    Used to show that you are unhappy with what someone did or said.

    "Really, Tom? You ate the last piece without asking?"

    She saw the muddy footprints on the clean floor and sighed, "Really?"

    UsagePeople often say Well, really! when they are annoyed.

    Similarhonestly

  2. 5
    strong agreementinterjectioncolloquialUS
    Used to agree strongly with what someone just said.

    "This line is taking forever." "Really. We've been here an hour."

    "That test was way too hard." "Really! Nobody finished on time."

    UsageSaid with a falling voice. It means you agree: you can say that again.

    Similarindeed, absolutely, exactly

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of really apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Middle English, made from the word "real" plus "-ly".

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 1 fact