The meaning of the word really

Really is a modal particle with multiple meanings and use cases. Linguists attribute it to the category of modal particles, since, despite the fact that, like any other service part of speech, it does not carry an independent semantic load, its use can add a certain emotional coloring to a sentence and change its general mood.

The origin of the word «really»

From the point of view of etymology, the particle «really» is a concatenation of the phrase «whether already» or «not already». In the Old Russian and Church Slavonic languages, it was used to express surprise, doubt, distrust, to give what was said in an interrogative intonation.

It would not be wrong to assert that this meaning has been preserved by the word «really» in modern Russian, but at the same time it has somewhat expanded and become more complex. There are several main possibilities of using this particle, some of them seem to be completely unrelated to the etymology of the word. Which, however, is a completely natural phenomenon for a constantly changing and evolving language.

«Really» when expressing distrust in questions

By asking a question using the «really» particle, the speaker or writer gives the said phrase a shade of distrust, doubt. Like in the following sentence:

«Is there really no other way to stop pollution other than to shut down large industrial plants and leave thousands of people out of work?»

The author of this statement doubts that plant closings are the only way to solve the problem. He believes that there is another, alternative solution.

Here are some more examples of such use of the «really» particle:

Usually, when asking a question with the «really» particle, the speaker expects an answer that will prove to him that his doubts are unfounded, or, on the contrary, that they are not at all unfounded. Either way, he asks for proof.

«Really» in answer to the question: an expression of irony

This version of the use of the particle «really» is a case that deviates somewhat from the usual meaning dictated by the etymology of the word. In statements «really» also expresses doubt, but not sincere, but ironic, mocking, as if the speaker was absolutely sure that his interlocutor was mistaken, and made fun of it without a twinge of conscience.

“You won’t be able to win back your money and your poker hours if you keep getting so obviously nervous and jumping up and down in your chair whenever you get good cards.

— Oh really!

In this example, the speaker is absolutely sure that his poker tactics are flawless and his saying «Oh really!» sounds ironic, as if making fun of everything that has been said before. Here’s another example of using the «really» particle like this:

— If you listened to me, now your business would be much better!

— Oh really?

In this example, the irony is even deeper, turning into sarcasm, the author of the statement not only questions the content of the previous remark, but also expresses his disdain for the interlocutor’s opinion.

«Really» in response to the question: expressing consent

This variant of using the «really» particle is a relic of the past, a kind of vernacular expression that can now be found only in the works of Russian literature. An example of its use might look like this:

— Will you help me?

— Really!

In this sense, «Really!» can be replaced with «Of course!», «Certainly!», «Of course!», «Of course!» without losing or distorting the meaning. Any of these synonyms will sound more natural and better correspond to the norms of the modern Russian language.

«Really» in literature: internal monologues

Authors have often resorted to and have resorted to using the «really» particle when describing the internal harmonious monologues and fragmentary reflections of the characters, thus demonstrating their doubts and experiences. Several vivid examples of the use of this particle can be found in Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, for example, in «Crime and Punishment»:

“What, is it really starting, is it really an execution coming? There, there, it is!»

Another example of the use of the described modal particle can be found in Osip Mandelstam:

«I wandered in the toy more often

And opened the azure grotto …

Am I real

And will death really come?»

«Why is the soul so melodious.»

Both examples demonstrate that the modal particle in fiction is designed to strengthen and emphasize the doubts of the protagonist, his emotional experiences.

Let’s summarize

There are three different meanings of the word «really».

1. In questions — to express doubt, distrust, when the speaker or writer needs proof of what they are trying to convince him of.
2. In answering questions — to give the whole statement, along with doubt and distrust, a touch of irony, ridicule, and sarcasm.
3. Also in answers to questions — to express consent.

The latter option is considered obsolete and is not found in modern Russian.

The «really» particle is a tool for writers and poets to help describe the characters’ inner monologues. Numerous examples of its use can be found in the works of Russian classics.

I think you really need to ponder how much of your reaction is based off of what is _really_ there and how much is off inference, based on conjecture that is heavily drawn from someone elses biases and hangups and both bolstered and watered down by anything as murky and prone to misunderstanding as the written word. ❋ Fred Kiesche (2010)

ANG itz funny thought i was the only one that noticed that Transformers 2 didnt really have a sensible plot …everyone seemed to love it ….well audience members ..really good to come on here and see my fellow film geeks call it out like it izzz ! ❋ Unknown (2010)

Thank ghod it’s not really a mainstream news organization, or the markets would *really* tank. ❋ Unknown (2010)

Sounds as if the really right-wing nuts are looking at him as preventing their ability to * really* go after Obama — wishes that Barracuda Sarah were at the top of the ticket and able to really take up the fight, no holes barred! ❋ Unknown (2009)

We had been friends since her sons were little guys, long before she and I morphed from really, really hot (okay, maybe just one «really«) into women of the vintage marketers target when they’re hawking hundred dollar face creams. ❋ Unknown (2009)

This headline really, * really* needs to be changed. ❋ Unknown (2009)

It’s not so much ‘been there’ but more ‘really seen it’, and I mean *really* seen it. ❋ James Gurney (2009)

It wasn’t the *most* beautiful cake I’ve seen not many from that show are, just because of how difficult it can be to make something within their time limits, but it really felt more like a gift to KV, and I *really* liked that! ❋ Jen (2009)

For the folks who are * really, really* afraid — as in elderly and retired — of the economic fallout that is sure to come, this taps into their cold war responses. ❋ Unknown (2009)

It seems that any time an article/report comes out that hints that things might not be getting a *lot* better for *everyone* and really, *really* fast, economists on the right are quick to condemn it or tell us why whatever was being commented on is actually good or discredit in some other way. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Do you really, *really* believe that “meats” is not an Engrish mistake? ❋ Unknown (2009)

All the GOP crap like these makes me * really, really, really* want this election to be over today (by destroying them to pieces, of course). ❋ Unknown (2009)

What they’re good at is taking existing concepts and making them really, *really* polished. ❋ Steve Gaynor (2008)

H Palmer, the reason muscular isn’t a popular look for women is that it is really *really* hard to put on muscles when you’re female no matter if you’re quite strong and lift weights and when you do have muscles you’ve got more fat in your skin normally so they don’t show. ❋ Ann Althouse (2008)

I can’t be there two hours early if you want me to come in at that time, I explained, but they really, *really* needed to schedule me sooner…just come in at least 30 minutes early…no biggie… ❋ 1 Dinosaur (2008)

About the only thing I really *really* disagreed with was the implication that someone should «settle» for someone they don’t want to have sex with. ❋ Ann Althouse (2008)

One of these days I’m going to include background in a story that only really *really* short people get to be astronauts. ❋ Walter Jon Williams (2007)

I used an «animation painted» style that really worked out, for this and, I *really* liked painting Zoc, the huge dragon. ❋ Zillabob (2007)

1. She was really [dumb], but pretended to be smart.
2. He can really [sing].
3. Did you really [clean up your room]? ❋ Dref Said Right (2004)

[sky] is [red]…really?! ❋ Sam (2004)

Person 1: How was [cabo]?
Person 2: I was in the Mexican jail.
Person 1: [Really-really]?
or
Person 1: I just bought [a pound].
Person 2: Really-really!? ❋ MeghanClare (2007)

its [a song] go [search] it in [google]
i really really really really really really… ❋ Random-girl-who-cant-think (2020)

Person #1: «Man, I am [soooooo] horny right now, I could fuck [a cow]!»
Person #2: [Ew], dude that’s just «really… really.» ❋ Dmitri1988 (2008)

You ask, «did you like the dinner?» Reply, «Not Really». Which means there was something you didn’t like about it. Did you not like [the greens] or [mash potatoes]. It is either «Yes» or «No» This phrase should be used in [conjunction] with an explainatin following it. ❋ JoAnna Alicea (2008)

1. You going to the party tonight? [For really].
2. «[The baby’s] yours, [for really].» «No it’s not» ❋ Hungates (2005)

[Stupid person]: the sun is out during the [daytime].
[Normal person]: no… really? ❋ 01288 (2010)

Example 1- (appropriate setting of really)
Speaker 1: Bro i just got dome from [the girl of my dreams]
Speaker 2: REAAAAAAALLLLLYYY?!
Speaker 1: yeah bro i did
Speaker 2: [oh true] thats legit bro
Example 2- (Inappropriate setting)
Speaker 1: Bro i think i got Mandy pregnant
Speaker 2: REEEEEEEAALLLLLLY?!
Speaker 1: Dawg, im not joking that shit is uncalled for
Speaker 2: My bad bro, [best of luck] with that rather unfortunate situation, much apologizes
Speaker 1: I appreciate the concern ❋ JeffrayManr0e (2010)

1.»John [borrowed] my car for [3 days], and didn’t put any gas in it. Then asked to use it again. I was like, ‘Really, dude?'»
2.»Megan slept with that guy on the first date, then cried when he didn’t call her back. All I could say was ‘Really? [What’d] you expect to happen?'» ❋ Arielrenee’ (2009)