really
/ˈriːəli/
adverb
Origin
Latin
realis — relating to things (res)
Overview
Meaning Now
- In actual fact; as a matter of reality.
- Used to emphasize a statement or opinion, often expressing surprise or skepticism.
- To a great extent; very.
Literal older meaning
in a real manner
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
real
Earliest period
late 14th century
Journey
The word derives from the Latin 'res' (thing), which is the base for 'realis'. In medieval scholastic philosophy, 'real' referred to things that had existence independent of the mind, a concept that evolved into the modern sense of 'factually true'.
Evolution
- 14th century Latin
realis
“existing as a thing”
- 14th century Old French
reel
“actual, existing”
- 15th century Middle English
real
“actual”
adjective usage
- 16th century English
really
“in truth”
addition of -ly suffix to adjective
Connections
Word parts
real
root
actual
-ly
suffix
adverbial marker
Related across languages
French
réellement
really
Spanish
realmente
really
Explore next
Related to really
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.