Really vs Exactly - What's the difference?

really | exactly |


As adverbs the difference between really and exactly

is that really is (lb) actually; in fact; in reality while exactly is (manner) without approximation; precisely.

As interjections the difference between really and exactly

is that really is indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism while exactly is (signifies agreement or recognition).

really

English

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • (lb) Actually; in fact; in reality.
  • :
  • Very (modifying an adjective); very much (modifying a verb).
  • :
  • *, chapter=10
    • , title= The Mirror and the Lamp , passage=It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers.}}
  • *
  • *:There was also hairdressing: hairdressing, too, really was hairdressing in those times — no running a comb through it and that was that. It was curled, frizzed, waved, put in curlers overnight, waved with hot tongs;.

    • Usage notes

    * Like its synonyms, really is, in practice, often used to preface an opinion, rather than a fact. (See also usage notes for .) : Increasingly people are recognising what's really important is having children. '>citation

    Synonyms

    * (actually) actually, in fact, indeed, truly * (sense) so

    Statistics

    *

    Interjection

    (en interjection)
  • Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism.
    • A: He won the Nobel Prize yesterday.
    B: Really?
  • Indicating that what was just said was obvious and unnecessary; contrived incredulity
    • A: I've just been reading Shakespeare - he's one of the best authors like, ever!
    B: Really .
  • (colloquial, chiefly, US) Indicating affirmation, agreement.
    • A: That girl talks about herself way too much.
    B: Really . She's a nightmare.
  • Indicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or statement.
    • Well, really ! How rude.

    Synonyms

    * you don't say, no kidding, oh really, no really

    References

    Anagrams

    * English degree adverbs English intensifiers English modal adverbs English speech-act adverbs 1000 English basic words

    exactly

    English

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • (manner) without approximation; precisely.
    • Measure exactly so we can be sure it is right.
    The edge is not exactly straight.
  • (focus) Used to provide emphasis.
    • It was exactly an Eastern gray squirrel.
    He divided the coins exactly in half.
    He did it that way exactly to prove the point.
    His complaint was exactly that she failed to meet the deadline by four days.

    Antonyms

    * approximately

    Interjection

    (en interjection)
  • (Signifies agreement or recognition)
    • So you're saying that we have only three days left? / Yes, exactly !