really

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; in fact; in reality.modal

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

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

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

syn. in fact · indeed · truly · so

1. 1

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

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

   Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism.; A phatic confirmation by a listener, to signal active listening; mostly devoid of literal meaning, with the phatically contrived incredulity being merely formulaic.broadlyinformal

   • A: You know, I saw Oliver the other day.
   • B: Really? What's he been up to?
3. 3

   Indicating that what was just said was obvious and unnecessary; contrived incredulity.informalsarcastic

   • A: I've just been reading Shakespeare - he's one of the best authors like, ever!
   • B: Really?
4. 4

   Indicating affirmation, agreement.USinformal

   • A: That girl talks about herself way too much.
   • B: Really. She's a nightmare.
5. 5

   Indicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or statement.informal

   • Well, really! How rude.

syn. gosh · is that so · no kidding · no really · no way · oh dear · oh my · oh really · you don't say · wow

1. 1

   Alternative form of re-ally.alt-ofalternative

   • 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.