Truly: meaning, definitions and examples

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truly

 

[ˈtruːli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

adverb

In a truthful or sincere way. Used to emphasize the truth of a statement.

Synonyms

genuinely, honestly, really.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
truly

Used to emphasize sincerity, truthfulness, or an extreme degree of something.

  • I truly appreciate your help.
  • She is truly an inspiration to all of us.
really

Used to emphasize a statement or opinion, or to express surprise or doubt about something.

  • I'm really tired after that long day.
  • Do you really think this will work?
genuinely

Used when expressing something that is real, sincere, or without pretense.

  • He was genuinely happy to see her.
  • She seems genuinely interested in the topic.
honestly

Used when wanting to emphasize sincerity or when making a truthful statement, often in situations where truthfulness might be questioned or is important.

  • Honestly, I didn't eat the last cookie.
  • Do you honestly believe that story?

Examples of usage

  • She truly believes in the power of education.
  • He truly loves her and would do anything for her.
  • I truly appreciate all your help and support.
Context #2 | Adverb

adverb

Used to emphasize a superlative quality or statement.

Synonyms

genuinely, indeed, really.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
truly

This word is often used to express sincerity or emphasize the real nature of something. It can show genuine feelings or facts.

  • She truly loves her job.
  • This is a truly remarkable achievement.
genuinely

Use this word to indicate authenticity and a lack of pretense. It emphasizes that someone's feelings or actions are sincere and honest.

  • He is genuinely concerned about her health.
  • She looked genuinely surprised by the news.
really

This word is used to add emphasis or express the reality of a situation. It can also be used in informal contexts to show surprise or confirmation.

  • I really enjoyed the movie.
  • Do you really think that's a good idea?
indeed

This word is appropriate for confirming or reinforcing a previous statement. It often adds emphasis to what's being said, showing agreement or truth.

  • He is indeed the best candidate for the job.
  • The food was indeed delicious.

Examples of usage

  • She is truly the best singer in the competition.
  • That was truly a remarkable performance.
  • He is truly an exceptional leader.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'truly' comes from the Old English word 'trūwe,' which means 'faith' or 'loyalty.'
  • It is a combination of 'true' and the suffix '-ly,' which turns adjectives into adverbs, showing manner or degree.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often discuss the concept of truth; to state something truly means to align with reality or facts.
  • In existentialism, being true to oneself is central; it’s about authenticity in one's actions and beliefs.

Literature

  • The word appears often in poetry and prose to emphasize sincerity or deep emotion, such as in love poems where feelings are declared 'truly' heartfelt.
  • Classic literature uses 'truly' to enhance dialogue and reflect the character’s honesty or conviction.

Psychology

  • In psychology, the concept of truthfulness is important for building trust in relationships; being truly honest fosters better communication.
  • Studies suggest that truly authentic interactions can enhance emotional well-being and mental health.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'truly madly deeply' became popularized by a famous song, symbolizing deep, intense feelings.
  • In movies, characters often declare their feelings by stating they're 'truly' in love, underscoring the seriousness of their emotions.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,100, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.