There are 287,000 search results on Bing for the misspelling 'Realy'. 'Realy' ranks in the top 20 of most common errors caught by TripleChecker, with at least 1,635 websites containing this mistake.¹
The word "really" functions primarily as an adverb, but it can also be used colloquially as an interjection. As an adverb, it modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often to add emphasis. The definition of "really" is to express truthfulness or sincerity, indicating that something is genuine or to a great extent.
Really
The word 'really' originates from the Old French word 'reel,' meaning "real" or "genuine," which itself comes from the Latin word 'realis,' meaning "actual." The term 'really' evolved in English from the word 'real' in the late 14th century, initially used as an adverb to mean "actually" or "truly."
The word "really" is pronounced as "ˈrē-lē." It can also be pronounced as "ˈrī(-ə)lē" in some dialects.
The word 'really' can be used in a sentence to emphasize the truth or extent of something, as in "I really enjoyed the concert last night." Caveats for correct spelling and usage include ensuring that it is not confused with similar words like 'real', and avoiding overuse, as frequent repetition can diminish its impact in writing. Additionally, it's important to use 'really' in appropriate contexts, such as informal conversation or writing, rather than in formal settings where more precise language might be preferred.