What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
really
Example
I really enjoyed the movie we watched last night. [really: adverb]
Example
She's really good at playing the piano. [really: adverb]
truly
Example
I truly believe that honesty is the best policy. [truly: adverb]
Example
You truly are a great friend. [truly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Really is more common than truly in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts, while truly is more formal and less frequently used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between really and truly?
Truly is more formal than really and is often used in more serious or professional contexts, such as legal or business documents, while really is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.