really · adv
really (VERY GREAT)
A1 very or very much
Dictionary examples:
My teacher is really funny! (0.0)
This book is really boring! (0.0)
My brother is really loud! (0.0)
That's really interesting. (5.6)
I really like/love them. (9.3)
She's really friendly/nice. (9.8)
It's a really difficult decision. (16.0)
really (EMPHASIZING)
A2 used to give particular importance to a verb, especially a modal verb
Dictionary examples:
We really must stop using 'password' as our password! (0.0)
I really must learn to cook before I starve! (0.0)
You really shouldn't wear socks with sandals in public! (0.0)
You really shouldn't worry. (7.1)
I really have to call Ursula this week. (7.8)
not really
B1 used for replying that something is not true in a way that is less strong than saying "no"
Dictionary examples:
"Did you enjoy the three-hour lecture on paint drying?" "Not really." (0.0)
"Are you a morning person?" "Not really. More like a 'five more minutes' person." (0.0)
"Did you ace the math test?" "Not really. I got an F for 'Fantastic Failure'." (0.0)
"Did you like him?" "Not really." (4.9)
"So was the food good?" "Not really." (8.3)
really (FACT)
B1 used when you are saying what is the truth of a situation
Dictionary examples:
I'm not really bad at math; numbers just don't like me. (0.0)
I'm not really bald; my hair is just invisible. (0.0)
I'm not really late; time just moves faster around me. (0.0)
She said she was twenty-eight, but really she's over thirty. (18.6)
You don't really expect them to refuse, do you? (22.5)
He isn't really angry - he's just pretending. (27.8)