really

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adverb 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Usage notes 1.3.3 Translations 1.4 Interjection 1.4.1 Translations 1.4.2 References

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

real +‎ -ly

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɹɪəli/, SAMPA: /"rI@li/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Hyphenation: re‧al‧ly

[edit] Adverb

really (comparative more really, superlative most really)

1. Actually; in fact; in reality.

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

2. (informal, as an intensifier) Very (modifying an adjective); very much (modifying a verb).

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

[edit] Synonyms

• (actually): actually, in fact, indeed, truly
• (colloquial, as an intensifier): so

[edit] Usage notes

• Like its synonyms, really is, in practice, often used to preface an opinion, rather than a fact. (See also usage notes for actually.)

Increasingly people are recognising what's really important is having children.^[1]

[edit] Translations

[edit] Interjection

really

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

   A: He won the Nobel Prize yesterday.

   B: Really?

2. (colloquial, chiefly US) Indicating affirmation, agreement.

   A: That girl talks about herself way too much.

   B: Really. She's a nightmare.

3. Indicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or disdain for a trite or mundane statement.

   Well, really! How rude.

[edit] Translations

[edit] References

• Notes:

1. ^ Marriner, C (15-01-2005). "The Sydey Morning Herald article 'When men turn clucky'." The Sydney Morning Herald. URL accessed on 2009-04-12.