really
Looking for the meaning of really? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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In a way or manner that is real, not unreal.
(modal) Actually; in fact; in reality.
“"He really is a true friend." / "Really? What makes you so sure?"”
(as an intensifier) Very (modifying an adjective); very much (modifying a verb).
“But ma, I really, really want to go to the show!”
Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism.
“A: He won the Nobel Prize yesterday.”
(sarcastic, typically exaggerated question.) Indicating that what was just said was obvious and unnecessary; contrived incredulity
“A: I've just been reading Shakespeare - he's one of the best authors like, ever!”
Indicating affirmation, agreement.
“A: That girl talks about herself way too much.”
Indicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or statement.
“Well, really! How rude.”
Understanding "really"
The word **"really"** is a **adverb** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/ˈɹɪəli/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"really"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "really" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a adverb, the term "really" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "really" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /ˈɹɪəli/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "really" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "really" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a adverb. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "really" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "really". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/ˈɹɪəli/), part of speech (adverb), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "really" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use really in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "really" can be used in academic and casual conversations.