Words / A1

REERL-ee/ˈrɪəli/

Make an adjective stronger, or mean “in fact”: really cold, I really like it. Really sits before the adjective or before the verb. Real is the adjective (a real problem). Very is a close strengthener but sounds a little more neutral.

Meaning

In fact; or used to make an adjective stronger.

Examples

• “I am really tired.”
• “This soup is really good.”
• “Do you really need another bag?”

Good to know

really + adjective / really + verb. Adjective: real. Similar: very.

Near in meaning

very

New