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Really Common

Really has 7 different meanings across 2 categories:

Adverb · Intj

Definitions
Verb
1

Alternative form of re-ally

"The text editor didn't recognize my alternative spelling of really, so I had to manually fix every instance where it appeared as re-ally."

In plain English: To really as a verb means to make something happen for real by doing it yourself instead of just pretending.

"The heavy rain really soaked us through to our skin."

Adverb
1

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

"she was now truly American"

"a genuinely open society"

"they don't really listen to us"

2

in actual fact

"to be nominally but not actually independent"

"no one actually saw the shark"

"large meteorites actually come from the asteroid belt"

3

in fact (used as intensifiers or sentence modifiers)

"in truth, moral decay hastened the decline of the Roman Empire"

"really, you shouldn't have done it"

"a truly awful book"

4

used as intensifiers; `real' is sometimes used informally for `really'; `rattling' is informal

"she was very gifted"

"he played very well"

"a really enjoyable evening"

"I'm real sorry about it"

"a rattling good yarn"

5

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

"The magician's assistant convinced everyone that he had really vanished rather than just lying behind a screen."

In plain English: Really means something is true, very intense, or happening for sure.

"I am really tired after working all day."

Usage: Use "really" to emphasize that something exists in an actual state rather than being imaginary or exaggerated. It often functions as an intensifier before adjectives and verbs but should be avoided when simply repeating information already stated clearly.

Intj
1

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

"I heard you got the job? Really? I didn't think anyone else would even apply for it."

Example Sentences
"I am really tired after working all day." adv
"I am really tired after working all day." adv
"That movie was really interesting to watch." adv
"She is really good at playing the piano." adv
"The heavy rain really soaked us through to our skin." verb
Related Terms

Origin

The word "really" comes from Middle English and originally meant "in a true or genuine manner." It entered modern usage as an intensifier, evolving from its earlier sense of authenticity to emphasize the truthfulness of a statement.

Rhyming Words
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