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real‧ly S1 W1

1 very [= extremely]:
a really good film
It was really cold last night.
He walks really slowly.
I'm really, really sorry.
very
a really good film
It was really cold last night.
He walks really slowly.
I'm really, really sorry.2 used when you are talking about what actually happened or is true, rather than what people might wrongly think :
Why don't you tell us what really happened?
Oliver's not really her brother.
I never know what he's really thinking.
She seems unfriendly at first, but she's really very nice.
the real situation
Why don't you tell us what really happened?
Oliver's not really her brother.
I never know what he's really thinking.
She seems unfriendly at first, but she's really very nice.3 spoken used to emphasize something you are saying :
We really need that extra money.
I really don't mind.
I'm absolutely fine, Dad - really.
definitely
We really need that extra money.
I really don't mind.
I'm absolutely fine, Dad - really.4 spoken used in questions when you are asking someone if something is true and suggesting that you think it is not true [= honestly]:
Do you really think she's doing this for your benefit?
Do you really expect me to believe that?
not true
Do you really think she's doing this for your benefit?
Do you really expect me to believe that?5 spoken
b) used in conversation to show that you are listening to or interested in what the other person is saying :
'We had a great time in Florida.' 'Really? How lovely.'
really?
'We had a great time in Florida.' 'Really? How lovely.'c) American English used to show that you agree with someone :
'Glen can be such a jerk.' 'Yeah, really!'
'Glen can be such a jerk.' 'Yeah, really!'d) especially British English used to show that you are angry or disapprove of something :
Really, Larry, you might have told me!
Really, Larry, you might have told me!6 spoken used to say 'no' or 'not' in a less strong way :
'Do you want to come along?' 'Not really.'
I don't really know what he's doing now.
not really
'Do you want to come along?' 'Not really.'
I don't really know what he's doing now.7 spoken used to say what someone should do, especially when they are probably not going to do it :
You should really go and see a doctor.
should/ought really
You should really go and see a doctor.8 spoken used to emphasize a statement or opinion :
He was really and truly a brilliant comedian.
really and truly
also really, truly American English
He was really and truly a brilliant comedian.



