Etimology
From Middle English really, realy, rialliche, equivalent to real + -ly.
adverb
really (comparative more really, superlative most really)
(literal) In a way or manner that is real, not unreal.
(modal) Actually; in fact; in reality.
(informal, as an intensifier) Very (modifying an adjective); very much (modifying a verb).
Examples
We are to believe that by an extraordinary Conception by Means of the holy Ghost he in an extraordinary MANNER, 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.
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, [...]
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.
"He really is a true friend." / "Really? What makes you so sure?"
But ma, I really, really want to go to the show!
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.
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; […].
Related words
synonyms
(actually): actually, in fact, indeed, truly; see also Thesaurus:actually
(colloquial, as an intensifier): so
interjection
really
(informal) Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism.
(informal, sarcastic, typically exaggerated question.) Indicating that what was just said was obvious and unnecessary; contrived incredulity
(informal, chiefly US) Indicating affirmation, agreement.
(informal) Indicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or statement.
Examples
A: He won the Nobel Prize yesterday.
B: Really?
A: You know, I saw Oliver the other day.
B: Really? What's he been up to?
"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."
A: I've just been reading Shakespeare - he's one of the best authors like, ever!
B: Really.
A: That girl talks about herself way too much.
B: Really. She's a nightmare.
Well, really! How rude.
Related words
synonyms
(incredulity, phatically contrived incredulity, or in ironic/sarcastic sense): gosh, is that so, no kidding, no really, no way, oh dear, oh my, oh really, you don't say, wow
Etimology
re- + ally
verb
really (third-person singular simple present reallies, present participle reallying, simple past and past participle reallied)
Alternative form of re-ally
Examples
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.