Really vs. Indeed — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 24, 2024
Really emphasizes authenticity or intensity, often questioning or affirming (e.g., "Is that really true?"); indeed confirms or agrees, adding emphasis (e.g., "That is indeed correct.").
Difference Between Really and Indeed
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Key Differences
Really is commonly used to express surprise or skepticism, asking for confirmation or emphasizing the truth of a statement, as in questioning "Is he really going?" Conversely, indeed is often used to confirm or agree with something that has been stated, enhancing the affirmation with a sense of solidity or certainty, like in "He is indeed going."
Really can amplify the degree of an adjective or verb, enhancing its intensity, for example, "She is really talented." On the other hand, indeed might be used to affirm the previous statement while adding an element of respect or admiration, as seen in "She is talented, indeed."
In informal contexts, "really" often appears to express strong emotions or reactions, such as in "I really don't like this." Whereas indeed appears more formal or literary, providing an elegant emphasis or transition in phrases like "Indeed, her dislike is understandable."
When used as a response, really can indicate curiosity or doubt, prompting further explanation, exemplified by "Really? How did that happen?" In contrast, indeed as a response often serves as an agreement that acknowledges and reinforces a prior statement, illustrated by "Indeed, it happened just like that."
Really also functions to intensify a statement’s sincerity or urgency, such as in "I really need your help." Whereas indeed tends to underscore the truth or correctness of a previous assertion, often appearing in judicial or formal contexts, like "Your help is indeed necessary."
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Comparison Chart
Function
Intensifier, question, affirmation
Confirmation, emphasis
Formality
Less formal, versatile
More formal, sophisticated
Emotional tone
Often emotional or urgent
Generally neutral, respectful
Example usage
"I really hope you understand."
"Indeed, your understanding is crucial."
Response type
Indicative of surprise or doubt
Reflects agreement or confirmation
Compare with Definitions
Really
Used to express certainty or verification.
Do you really mean that?
Indeed
Often used to introduce a statement that confirms or contrasts with a previous one.
It was a hard task. Indeed, it took hours.
Really
Expresses surprise or disbelief.
Really? I had no idea.
Indeed
Appears in formal acknowledgments.
Indeed, your point is valid.
Really
Indicates authenticity.
He really did go to the store.
Indeed
Used to confirm or agree with something.
Indeed, I will attend the meeting.
Really
Serves as an inquiry for confirmation.
Are you really sure?
Indeed
Enhances a narrative or argument.
He is, indeed, a skilled musician.
Really
Functions as an intensifier.
This is really important.
Indeed
Serves to emphasize statements.
That is indeed the best solution.
Really
In actual truth or fact
There isn't really a lake there.
It's just a mirage.
Indeed
Indeed is an American worldwide employment website for job listings launched in November 2004. It is a subsidiary of Japan's Recruit Co.
Really
To a great degree; very much
I would really like to meet your sister.
Indeed
Used to emphasize a statement or response confirming something already suggested
‘She should have no trouble hearing him.’ ‘No indeed.’
It was not expected to last long, and indeed it took less than three weeks
Really
Very; utterly
That was a really enjoyable evening.
Indeed
Used to introduce a further and stronger or more surprising point
The idea is attractive to many men and indeed to many women
Really
Without a doubt; indeed
Really, I don't want more dessert.
Indeed
Used in a response to express interest, surprise, or contempt
‘A ghost indeed! I've never heard anything so silly.’
Really
Used to express surprise, skepticism, displeasure, or interest
"I've been reading her diary." "Really?".
Indeed
Without a doubt; certainly
Very cold indeed.
Was indeed grateful.
Really
(literal) In a way or manner that is real, not unreal.
Indeed
In fact; in reality
Felt sure I'd win, and indeed I did.
Really
(modal) Actually; in fact; in reality.
"He really is a true friend." / "Really? What makes you so sure?"
Indeed
Used to express surprise, skepticism, or irony.
Really
Very (modifying an adjective); very much (modifying a verb).
But ma, I really, really want to go to the show!
Indeed
(modal) Truly; in fact; actually.
Indeed, he made several misplays.
Yes, I do indeed look very similar to you.
Really
Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism.
A: He won the Nobel Prize yesterday.
B: Really?
Indeed
In fact.
As a soccer player, he is terrible indeed.
Really
Indicating that what was just said was obvious and unnecessary; contrived incredulity
A: I've just been reading Shakespeare - he's one of the best authors like, ever!
B: Really.
Indeed
Indicates emphatic agreement.
"I am a great runner." "Indeed!"
Really
Indicating affirmation, agreement.
A: That girl talks about herself way too much.
B: Really. She's a nightmare.
Indeed
In reality; in truth; in fact; verily; truly; - used in a variety of senses. Esp.: (a) Denoting emphasis; as, indeed it is so. (b) Denoting concession or admission; as, indeed, you are right. (c) Denoting surprise; as, indeed, is it you? Its meaning is not intrinsic or fixed, but depends largely on the form of expression which it accompanies.
The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
I were a beast indeed to do you wrong.
There is, indeed, no great pleasure in visiting these magazines of war.
Really
Indicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or statement.
Well, really! How rude.
Indeed
In truth (often tends to intensify);
They said the car would break down and indeed it did
It is very cold indeed
Was indeed grateful
Indeed, the rain may still come
He did so do it!
Really
Royally.
Indeed
(used as an interjection) an expression of surprise or skepticism or irony etc.;
Wants to marry the butler? Indeed!
Really
In a real manner; with or in reality; actually; in truth.
Whose anger is really but a short fit of madness.
Why, really, sixty-five is somewhat old.
Really
In accordance with truth or fact or reality;
She was now truly American
A genuinely open society
They don't really listen to us
Really
In actual fact;
To be nominally but not actually independent
No one actually saw the shark
Large meteorites actually come from the asteroid belt
Really
In fact (used as intensifiers or sentence modifiers);
In truth, moral decay hastened the decline of the Roman Empire
Really, you shouldn't have done it
A truly awful book
Really
Used as intensifiers; `real' is sometimes used informally for `really'; `rattling' is informal;
She was very gifted
He played very well
A really enjoyable evening
I'm real sorry about it
A rattling good yarn
Common Curiosities
What is the effect of using "really" in a question?
It expresses doubt or seeks assurance, making the question more probing.
What contexts are appropriate for using "really"?
Really fits well in informal conversations or when emphasizing personal statements.
How does "indeed" enhance the tone of a conversation?
Indeed adds a level of sophistication and formality, often making statements sound more thoughtful or considered.
Can "indeed" be used to answer a question directly?
Yes, "indeed" can directly answer a question, especially to confirm or agree emphatically.
How does the usage of "indeed" differ in speeches versus conversations?
In speeches, indeed is often used to reinforce points strongly in conversations.
Can "indeed" be redundant in a sentence?
Yes, if overused or used without adding new information, "indeed" can be redundant.
Is "really" suitable for formal writing?
While usable, "really" is generally less formal and might be replaced with more specific adverbs in formal writing.
What synonyms can replace "really" in a sentence?
Truly, definitely, or absolutely can replace "really" depending on context.
Why might someone choose "really" over "indeed"?
For a more casual tone or to express stronger personal feelings or doubts.
In what type of literature is "indeed" most commonly found?
Indeed is prevalent in formal, academic, or literary texts.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
