really
Meaning
In actual fact, without doubt or question; truly.
Very; to a great degree.
Used to express interest, surprise, or mild protest.
Structure
Usage
I'm not sure if he really meant what he said.
It was a really difficult exam.
Really? I had no idea you were moving.
Etymology
The word "really" is a straightforward adverbial formation from the adjective "real." The core adjective "real" entered English via Old French from the Latin realis, which itself derives from res, meaning "thing" or "matter." The suffix "-ly," of Germanic origin, is one of the most productive adverbial endings in English. Therefore, the literal construction "in a real manner" evolved naturally to express truthfulness ("in actual fact") and, through intensification, came to mean "to a great degree" or "very," while also serving as a versatile discourse marker to convey emphasis or reaction.
Analysis
- real: From Anglo-French and Old French real, from Latin realis ("actual, relating to things"), from res ("thing, matter"). In this word, it functions as the adjectival base meaning "actual, true". - ly: From Old English -līce (adverbial suffix), from Proto-Germanic -līkō. It functions as a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives.