really
Meaning: In actual fact; used to emphasise something as true or to express surprise
'Really' is used to emphasise something as true or genuine, or to express surprise or doubt. It can intensify adjectives ('really good') or stand alone as a question ('Really?'). In British English, it often softens statements or expresses mild disbelief.
Examples
- I really enjoyed the film last night. 我昨晚真的很喜欢那部电影。Realmente disfruté la película anoche.昨夜の映画は本当に楽しかった。어젯밤 영화가 정말 재미있었다.
- Is she really going to move to Australia? 她真的要搬到澳大利亚吗?¿De verdad va a mudarse a Australia?彼女は本当にオーストラリアに引っ越すの?그녀가 정말로 호주로 이사하는 거야?
- The weather has been really awful this week. 这周天气真的很糟糕。El tiempo ha sido realmente horrible esta semana.今週は天気が本当にひどかった。이번 주는 날씨가 정말 끔찍했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
Formed from 'real' + '-ly'. 'Real' entered English from Old French 'reel', from Late Latin 'realis' meaning 'relating to things' (from 'res', 'thing'). Originally meant 'in reality' but evolved into a general intensifier by the 18th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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