really

comparative more really · superlative most really · alternative real-ly · alternative real-ly · alternative reälly

1. literalIn 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.

   1975, Robin H. S. Boyd, An introduction to Indian Christian theology, page 48

   2 more examples

   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.

   1751, John Roche, Moravian Heresy, page 168

   If we take the phenomenal world as it strikes our senses, in all its varied and wonderful powers and aspects; as the mere symbol of the Divine Presence and power, that is, according to Christ, ever in, through, and over all, as really as are causal light, heat and gravity, or as really as our own life and souls pervade every atom of our bodies, [...]

   1878, Jonathan Baldwin Turner, Christ's Words as Related to Science,..., page 52

2. modalActually; in fact; in reality.

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

   Synonyms: actually

3. informalVery (modifying an adjective); very much (modifying a verb).

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

   2 more examples

   It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers.

   1918, W[illiam] B[abington] Maxwell, chapter X, in The Mirror and the Lamp, Indianapolis, Ind.: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, →OCLC

   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;[…].

   1977, Agatha Christie, chapter 4, in An Autobiography, part II, London: Collins, →ISBN

alternative real-ly · alternative reälly

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

   B: Really?

   1 more example

   A: He won the Nobel Prize yesterday.

   1. broadlyinformalA phatic confirmation by a listener, to signal active listening; mostly devoid of literal meaning, with the phatically contrived incredulity being merely formulaic.

      B: Really? What's he been up to?

      2 more examples

      A: You know, I saw Oliver the other day.

      "Literally" is not the only word that has lost touch with reality: look at "really." That word also was meant to describe a state of reality, or literalness. Even as a substitute for "Is that so?," the word asked, "Is that true, or real?" Nowadays, one guy goes, "I literally flew off the handle," and the other guy goes "Really." It's a grunt, meaning, "I'm still here."

      1979 November 4, William Safire, “On Language [column]”, in New York Times

2. informalsarcastictypically exaggerated questionIndicating that what was just said was obvious and unnecessary; contrived incredulity.

   B: Really?

   1 more example

   A: I've just been reading Shakespeare - he's one of the best authors like, ever!

3. USinformalIndicating affirmation, agreement.

   B: Really. She's a nightmare.

   1 more example

   A: That girl talks about herself way too much.

   Synonyms: actually

4. informalIndicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or statement.

   Well, really! How rude.

present singular third person reallies · participle present reallying · participle past reallied · past reallied

1. alternativeAlternative form of re-ally.

   She wished since long to die and to be reallied with her children in heaven.

   1917, German American Annals, page 69

   1 more example

   Following the election, those who had publicly opposed Harding hastened to really themselves with Republicans who had remained in the party.

   1997, Warren F. Kuehl, Lynne Dunn, Keeping the Covenant: American Internationalists and the League of Nations, 1920-1939, Kent State University Press, →ISBN, page 19