What does really mean?

Used to make an adjective, adverb, or statement stronger. In fact, rather than only apparently or supposedly. Used in questions to express surprise or doubt.

How is really pronounced?

UK /ˈrɪəli/, US /ˈriːəli/.

really

/ˈrɪəli/ · /ˈriːəli/

CEFR level A1Topic Daily lifeWord #20 in the learning path

很；非常

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Definitions

adv. Used to make an adjective, adverb, or statement stronger.

很；非常

adv. In fact, rather than only apparently or supposedly.

真正地；实际上

adv. Used in questions to express surprise or doubt.

真的吗

Example

This soup is really hot, so let it cool.

这汤非常烫，先让它凉一凉吧。

Before expanding online education, policymakers should consider whether digital courses really meet the needs of disadvantaged learners.

在扩大在线教育之前，政策制定者应考虑数字课程是否真正满足弱势学习者的需求。

Collocations

really useful
really enjoy
not really

Word family

real (adj.)
reality (n.)
realistic (adj.)

Synonyms

actually
truly
very

Usage tip

not really通常表示“不太”，语气比直接说no缓和。

FAQ

What does really mean?: Used to make an adjective, adverb, or statement stronger. In fact, rather than only apparently or supposedly. Used in questions to express surprise or doubt.
How is really pronounced?: UK /ˈrɪəli/, US /ˈriːəli/. Use the audio buttons above to listen.