really

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   In a way or manner that is real, not unreal.

   • Thus Brahman must be described as ‘really real’, while a rope, or a person, or God Himself, is ‘unreally real’. And it is only the Vedantin who can distinguish the real from the unreal, for to others all seems real.
2. 2

   Actually

   Actually; in fact; in reality.

   • "He really is a true friend." / "Really? What makes you so sure?"
3. 3

   Very (modifying an adjective)

   Very (modifying an adjective); very much (modifying a verb).

   • But ma, I really, really want to go to the show!
   • There was also hairdressing: hairdressing, too, really was hairdressing in those times — no running a comb through it and that was that. It was curled, frizzed, waved, put in curlers overnight, waved with hot tongs;[…].
4. ›+ 5 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information

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

      • A: He won the Nobel Prize yesterday.
      • B: Really?
   2. 5

      Indicating that what was just said was obvious and unnecessary

      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!
      • B: Really?
   3. 6

      Indicating affirmation, agreement.

      • A: That girl talks about herself way too much.
      • B: Really. She's a nightmare.
   4. 7

      Indicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or statement.

      • Well, really! How rude.
   5. 8

      Alternative form of re-ally.

      • She wished since long to die and to be reallied with her children in heaven.
      • Following the election, those who had publicly opposed Harding hastened to really themselves with Republicans who had remained in the party.

The neighborhood

• synonymin fact
• synonymindeed
• synonymtruly
• synonymactually
• synonymgoshincredulity, phatically contrived incredulity, or in ironic/sarcastic sense
• synonymis that soincredulity, phatically contrived incredulity, or in ironic/sarcastic sense
• synonymno kiddingincredulity, phatically contrived incredulity, or in ironic/sarcastic sense
• synonymno reallyincredulity, phatically contrived incredulity, or in ironic/sarcastic sense
• synonymno wayincredulity, phatically contrived incredulity, or in ironic/sarcastic sense
• synonymoh dearincredulity, phatically contrived incredulity, or in ironic/sarcastic sense
• synonymoh myincredulity, phatically contrived incredulity, or in ironic/sarcastic sense
• synonymoh reallyincredulity, phatically contrived incredulity, or in ironic/sarcastic sense