geradezu

downright

adverb ge-RAA-de-tsoo Rare

Also means

virtually

Usage Note

geradezu emphasises that a strong word truly applies, meaning downright or virtually, as in geradezu genial. It often introduces an almost-exaggerated description the speaker stands behind.

Examples

"Sein Vorschlag war geradezu genial."

Natural Translation

His suggestion was downright brilliant.

Literal Translation

His suggestion was downright brilliant.

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