really
[adverb]
Synonyms: truly, actually, certainly, genuinely, in actuality, indeed, in fact, positively, surely

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

real‧ly S1 W1 /ˈrɪəli/ adverb
[Word Family: noun: realism, realist, reality, unreality, realization; adverb: real, really, realistically ≠ unrealistically; adjective: real, unreal, realistic ≠ unrealistic; verb: realize]

1. VERY very Synonym : extremely:
a really good film
It was really cold last night.
He walks really slowly.
I’m really, really sorry.

REGISTER
Really is especially frequent in spoken English. In writing, people usually prefer to use very or extremely to emphasize an adjective, or very much to emphasize a verb:
■ a really dangerous activity ➔ a very dangerous activity
■ | I really enjoyed the play. ➔ I enjoyed the play very much.

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.


SPOKEN PHRASES

3. 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. NOT TRUE used in questions when you are asking someone if something is true and suggesting that you think it is not true Synonym : honestly:
Do you really think she’s doing this for your benefit?
Do you really expect me to believe that?

5.
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. 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. 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. really and truly (also really, truly American English) used to emphasize a statement or opinion:
He was really and truly a brilliant comedian.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

really
adverb
1.
BAD: That's really a good idea.
GOOD: That's a really good idea.
GOOD: That really is a good idea.
BAD: It was only a short trip but we had really a good time.
GOOD: It was only a short trip but we had a really good time.
GOOD: It was only a short trip but we really had a good time.

Usage Note:
The position of really (= very) is a matter of emphasis. Very often it comes immediately before the adjective or adverb it modifies: 'some really good news', 'a really old car'. Otherwise, it is usually placed immediately in front of the main verb: 'You really fooled me.' 'We're really enjoying ourselves.'

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2.
BAD: To his great amazement, little Nicola really won the race.
GOOD: To his great amazement, little Nicola actually won the race.

Usage Note:
Really and actually are sometimes interchangeable: 'She sold the piano for a lot more than it was actually/really worth.'
When you mean 'strange as it may seem', use actually (NOT really ): 'Instead of running away as he normally does, he actually offered to stay and help.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲