Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In truth; certainly; indeed: Used to emphasize the truth or certainty of a statement, often in formal, literary, or archaic contexts. It conveys strong affirmation.

Usage

• Verily is used to add strong emphasis, confirming that something is true or will certainly happen. It is most commonly found in religious texts (like the King James Bible), older literature, poetic language, or for deliberate stylistic effect to sound formal, solemn, or old-fashioned.
• It typically modifies an entire clause or statement.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • "Verily, I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." (This is a classic biblical construction.)
  • "I verily believe this is the best course of action."
  • "The prophecy was verily fulfilled."

Advanced Usage

• "Verily, verily, I say unto you...": A double "verily" (or "Amen, amen" in some translations) is used in the Gospel of John in the Bible for extreme emphasis and solemnity.
  • "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone." (John 12:24, KJV)

Variants and Related Words

• Truly (adv): In a truthful way; honestly. (A more common modern synonym.)
• Indeed (adv): Used to emphasize a statement or response. (A common modern synonym.)
• Forsooth (adv, archaic): In truth; indeed. (An archaic synonym with a similar usage.)
• Assuredly (adv): In a way that is certain to happen; undoubtedly.

Synonyms

• Certainly
• Truly
• Indeed
• Assuredly
• Undoubtedly
• In truth

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• "Verily thou shalt...": A biblical/archaic phrasing meaning "you shall certainly..." or "you will indeed...".
  • "Trust in the Lord... and verily thou shalt be fed." (Psalms 37:3, KJV)

Adverb

1. in truth; certainly
   • I verily think so
   • trust in the Lord...and verily thou shalt be fed- Ps 37:3