A1adverb 1K

Really

UK /["/ˈriːəli//ˈrɪəli/"]/ US /["/ˈriːəli/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

used to emphasize an adjective or adverb

Listen to definition

In simple words: very or truly

Examples

• I really enjoy going to the beach.
• Is it really true that you're moving?
• She is really talented at painting.
• I don't really understand this lesson.
• Do you really want to go out tonight?

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.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'really' as 'real-ly', emphasizing its true nature.

Collocations

• really want
• really good
• really sure
• really excited
• really important

Synonyms

• very
• truly
• actually
• extremely
• genuinely

Antonyms

• seldom
• never

Common mistakes

• Using it in place of 'real' when describing a noun.
• Confusing it with 'really' in terms of degree, e.g., 'really good' instead of 'very good'.