really

Used to make an adjective or feeling stronger.

• This cake is really good.
• I really enjoyed the film.
• Do you really like that colour?

Similar words: very, extremely, very much

Common phrases: really good, really like something, really want something

Used to stress that something is true or actually happens.

• Did that really happen?
• She really did see a bear.
• I wonder whether ghosts really exist.

Similar words: actually, truly, in fact

Common phrases: really happen, really exist, really mean something, really true

You say this when surprised or when asking whether something is true.

• Really? I had no idea.
• You won a car? Really?
• Really? Are you sure he said that?

Common phrases: oh really, really are you, really did she

You say this to show you are listening and interested in what someone is saying.

• Oh, really? Tell me more.
• Really? What happened next?
• Really? How was your trip?

Common phrases: oh really, really then what

You say this to show strong agreement with what someone has said.

• Really. That was completely unfair.
• Really! Nobody should have to wait that long.
• Really, I could not agree more.

Similar words: indeed, exactly

Common phrases: really yes, really exactly

You say this with a questioning tone because someone has said something obvious.

• Really? Everyone already knows that.
• Really? You have only just noticed?
• Oh, really? What a surprise that water is wet.

Common phrases: oh really, really what else