# truly

/ˈtɹuɫi/ (US) · /tɹˈuːli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/truly
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. honestly and sincerely

adverb · CEFR B1

used to show that you are being honest about your feelings or opinions.

For teachers: used to emphasize the sincerity or genuineness of a statement, feeling, or belief.

- I am truly sorry for the mistake I made yesterday.
- She was truly moved by the kindness of the local community during her recovery from the accident.

Usage: Often placed before an adjective or a verb to emphasize the speaker's sincerity.

### 2. accurately or really

adverb · CEFR B2

in a way that is true or matches the facts.

For teachers: in accordance with truth or fact; used to confirm the reality of a situation.

- It is hard to know what truly happened without any witnesses.
- The documentary attempts to show how the explorers truly lived during their long winter in the Arctic.

Usage: Frequently used in questions or negative statements to challenge or confirm facts.

### 3. very or completely

adverb · CEFR B2 · Formal

used to emphasize a quality, meaning 'very' or 'extremely'.

For teachers: used as an intensifier to emphasize the degree of a quality or state.

- The view from the top of the mountain was truly beautiful.
- The architect's latest design is a truly remarkable achievement in sustainable urban planning.

Teaching tip: While 'truly' is common in writing, 'really' is much more frequent in everyday spoken English for this sense.

## Examples

- I am truly sorry for the mistake I made.
- The view from the mountain top was truly spectacular, making the long hike worth every effort.
- While many claim to support the cause for public relations, only a few are truly dedicated to implementing the structural changes required for progress.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.