1 used to say what is actually the fact or the truth about sth:
What do you really think about it? * Tell me what really happened. * They are not really my aunt and uncle. * I can't believe I am really going to meet the princess.
2 (usually spoken) used to emphasize sth you are saying or an opinion you are giving:
I want to help, I really do. * Now I really must go. * I really don't mind. * He really likes you. * I really and truly am in love this time.
3 used to emphasize an adjective or adverb:
a really hot fire * I'm really sorry. * She was driving really fast.
4 (usually spoken) used, often in negative sentences, to reduce the force of sth you are saying:
I don't really agree with that. * It doesn't really matter. * 'Did you enjoy the book?' 'Not really' (= 'no' or 'not very much'). * We've done well, really.
HELPNOTE The position of really can change the meaning of the sentence. I don't really know means that you are not sure about something; I really don't know emphasizes that you do not know. (Look at sense 2.)
5 (usually spoken) used in questions and negative sentences when you want sb to say 'no':
Do you really expect me to believe that? * I don't really need to go, do I?
6 (spoken) used to express interest in or surprise at what sb is saying:
'We're going to Japan next month.' 'Oh, really?' * 'She's resigned.' 'Really? Are you sure?'
7 (spoken) used to show that you disapprove of sth sb has done:
Really, you could have told us before.
