truly
Meaning
used to emphasize that a particular description, feeling, etc. is genuine or sincere
used to emphasize the truth of a statement
Structure
Usage
i am truly grateful for all your help.
this is a truly remarkable achievement.
he spoke truly when he described the events.
Etymology
the word 'truly' is a straightforward formation from the adjective 'true' with the addition of the ubiquitous english adverbial suffix '-ly'. the core adjective 'true' originates from old english 'trēowe', meaning faithful or trustworthy, a concept deeply rooted in germanic languages and connected to notions of steadfastness and a firm bond, such as in a pledge or tree (both sharing a pie root for 'wood' or 'firm'). over time, 'true' expanded from describing personal fidelity to encompassing conformity with fact or reality. the suffix '-ly', from old english '-līce', originally meant 'having the body or form of', but its function specialized to create adverbs, literally giving 'truly' the sense of 'in a true manner'. thus, the word evolved from a descriptor of loyalty to the modern adverb emphasizing sincerity or factual correctness.
Analysis
tru(e) from middle english 'trewe', old english 'trēowe' (faithful, trustworthy), of germanic origin. ly from old english '-līce', an adverbial suffix forming adverbs from adjectives.