# really

/ˈɹiɫi/ (US) · /ɹˈiəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/really
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. very

adverb · CEFR A1

you use this to make an adjective or another adverb stronger.

For teachers: an intensifier used to increase the degree of an adjective or adverb.

- I am really tired after working in the garden all afternoon.
- The results of the preliminary study were really encouraging, suggesting that the new treatment might be more effective than previously thought.

### 2. actually or in fact

adverb · CEFR A2

used to say that something is true or real, especially when people might doubt it.

For teachers: used to emphasize the truth or reality of a statement, often in contrast to what is expected.

- Do you really think we can finish the project by tomorrow?
- While the plan sounds good on paper, we need to consider whether it is really feasible given our current budget constraints.

### 4. showing annoyance

interjection · CEFR B2 · Informal

used to show that you are annoyed or think someone is being silly.

For teachers: used as an expression of mild displeasure, impatience, or disbelief at another person's behavior.

- Really, Tom? You are going to wear that old shirt to the wedding?
- Really, if they expect us to work through the weekend without extra pay, they are going to face a lot of complaints from the staff.

## Examples

- I am really tired after work today.
- The movie was really long, but the ending was so exciting that nobody minded the three-hour runtime.
- While the proposal sounds good in theory, we need to determine if the company really possesses the resources to execute such an ambitious plan.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.