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really
adverb
real‧ly
S1
W1
1
very
very
[=
extremely
]
:
a really good film
It was really cold last night.
He walks really slowly.
I'm really, really sorry.
2
the real situation
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.
3
spoken
definitely
used to emphasize something you are saying
:
We really need that extra money.
I really don't mind.
I'm absolutely fine, Dad - really.
4
spoken
not true
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?
5
spoken
a)
really?
used to show that you are surprised by what someone has said
:
'He's Canadian.' 'Really?'
b)
really?
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.'
c)
American English
used to show that you agree with someone
:
'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!
6
spoken
not really
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.
7
spoken
should/ought really
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.
8
spoken
really and truly
also
really, truly
American English
used to emphasize a statement or opinion
:
He was really and truly a brilliant comedian.
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
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