Truly: meaning, definitions and examples

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truly

 

[ ˈtruːli ]

Adverb
Oxford 3000
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.

Etymology

The word 'truly' originated from Middle English 'truli', formed from 'true' with the suffix '-ly'. It has been used in English since the 12th century. The adverb 'truly' has evolved over time to emphasize sincerity, truth, and superlative qualities in statements or descriptions.

See also: true, truism, truth, untrue.

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.