Cool MateReally vs Seriously
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Really | Seriously | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | very or truly | used to show that something is true or important |
| CEFR level | A1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Usage notes | Used to emphasize an adjective or another adverb. It can be informal in casual conversations but is accepted in most contexts; avoid overusing it in formal writing. | Usually used to emphasize seriousness in conversations. It can sound casual in informal settings but is appropriate in serious discussions. |
Frequently asked questions: Really vs Seriously
What's the difference between "Really" and "Seriously"?
"Really" means: very or truly "Seriously" means: used to show that something is true or important
When should I use "Really" and "Seriously"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Really" and "Seriously" the same CEFR level?
"Really" is at A1, "Seriously" is at B1 on the CEFR scale.