véritablement

Véritablement is a French adverb meaning truly, really, or genuinely. It is used to intensify an adjective, a verb, or, less commonly, an entire clause, conveying a sense of authenticity or degree. It tends to sound formal or emphatic, and it is less common in everyday speech than the synonym vraiment.

Etymology and form: Véritablement is formed from the adjective véritable, meaning true or genuine, with the adverbial suffix -ment. The adjective véritable itself derives from the Latin verus, meaning true. The adverb can accompany a wide range of words, from descriptors to actions, to emphasize a genuine quality or result.

Usage and nuance: In standard French, véritablement is more formal and emphatic than vraiment. It is often found in literary prose, journalism, or careful argumentation. It can stress authenticity, depth, or the extent of a change or effect. While it can replace vraiment in many contexts, it may sound stiff in casual speech. It is not interchangeable with real or realment in all senses; choose véritablement when you want a stronger, more measured emphasis on sincerity or veracity.

Examples: Ce livre est véritablement captivant. Elle est véritablement passionnée par son métier. Ils ont véritablement changé leur manière de penser. Les résultats sont véritablement probants.

Related terms: Véritable is the feminine form of the adjective; synonyms include réellement, réellement, ou vraiment depending on nuance. In translation, véritablement often corresponds to “truly” or “genuinely” in English, with a tone closer to formal emphasis than casually spoken “really.”