What does veritably mean?
Veritably is an adverb meaning truly, genuinely, or certainly, with the additional force of emphatic assertion. It can stand on its own, as in “She veritably knew what she was doing,” or intensify an adjective or noun, as in “veritably miraculous.” Its wording is formal and literary, giving it a more emphatic tone than ordinary alternatives such as “truly” or “indeed,” and it can sound especially deliberate when used to modify a negative expression. The word is used in both British and American English but is less common in everyday conversation. Veritably is particularly useful when the writer wants to stress the reality of something while also suggesting that its significance has been overlooked or exaggerated. It should not be confused with verifiably, which focuses on the possibility of checking or proving a claim.
adverbIn a way that is true or based on fact; truly or certainly. It can also emphasize a description, as in “veritably miraculous,” meaning genuinely or remarkably so.
- In truth; genuinely or certainly.
- As an intensifier, so emphatically or to an unusual degree.
"The restoration has transformed the neglected building into veritably a work of architectural beauty."
"Her patience and kindness are veritably admirable."
"The committee gave the proposal veritably no consideration at all."
Veritably is the emphatic cousin of “truly”—and a reminder that some claims invite proof while others merely insist on the truth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does veritably come from?
Veritably was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to veritable. The adjective veritable comes through French from Latin veritabilis, a derivative of verus, meaning true. Related English words include verity, verify, veracious, and veracity, all reflecting the same Latin root concerning truth or genuineness.
How veritably is actually used
Formal or literary in tone and somewhat old-fashioned, though still standard in British and American English. It is especially common before adjectives and nouns, where it adds rhetorical emphasis.
Easily confused with veritably
Veritably means truly or certainly, whereas verifiably means in a way that can be checked or proved.