downright / proper
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downright
Used as an adverb to intensify a statement and means something like 'positively,' 'practically,' or 'really.' It often expresses a surprising or extreme degree.
Nach der Absage entwickelte sie eine regelrechte Abneigung gegen das Projekt.
After the cancellation, she developed a downright aversion to the project.
The word is made up of 'Regel' (rule) and 'recht' (right/proper). The literal meaning is 'in accordance with the rules.' From this, the now more common figurative meaning 'geradezu' (downright) or 'förmlich' (positively) developed to describe an extreme degree.
Der kleine Funke löste eine regelrechte Explosion aus.
The small spark triggered a downright explosion.
In its most common meaning, 'regelrecht' (downright) is used as an adverb for emphasis. It comes directly before the noun or adjective it emphasizes and expresses that something has reached a surprising or extreme degree.
Die Kinder veranstalteten eine regelrechte Wasserschlacht im Garten.
The children staged a downright water fight in the garden.
'Regelrecht' (downright) is often combined with nouns that describe a strong, often negative, development. Typical examples include: 'eine regelrechte Panik' (downright panic), 'ein regelrechter Boom' (a veritable boom), or 'eine regelrechte Sucht' (a real addiction).
Um die letzten Konzertkarten brach eine regelrechte Panik aus.
A downright panic broke out over the last concert tickets.
The meaning 'den Regeln entsprechend' (in accordance with the rules) is rare and formal. It occurs almost only in legal or official contexts. In all other cases, 'regelrecht' almost always means 'geradezu' (downright).
Der Schiedsrichter entschied, dass das Tor regelrecht erzielt wurde.
The referee decided that the goal had been scored properly.
really
'wirklich' and 'regelrecht' can both intensify a statement. 'wirklich' is neutral and fits almost anywhere when you want to emphasize or confirm something. 'regelrecht' is stronger and often says that something is surprisingly clear or almost extreme. It sounds as if the situation is more than normally expected. That is why you cannot always replace 'regelrecht' with 'wirklich'. 'wirklich müde' (really tired) is simply a strong confirmation; 'regelrecht erschöpft' (downright exhausted) sounds like a particularly strong state.
Am Morgen war der Bahnhof regelrecht überfüllt.
In the morning, the train station was downright overcrowded.
Die Eltern sind wirklich froh, dass das Spiel fair geblieben ist.
The parents are really glad that the game stayed fair.