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Really vs Brilliant - What's the difference?

really | brilliant |

As an adverb really

is (lb) actually; in fact; in reality.

As an interjection really

is indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism.

As an adjective brilliant is

shining brightly.

As a noun brilliant is

a finely cut gemstone, especially a diamond, having many facets.

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

    brilliant

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Shining brightly.
  • the brilliant lights along the promenade
  • (of a colour) Both bright and saturated.
  • butterflies with brilliant blue wings
  • (of a voice or sound) having a sharp, clear tone
  • Of surpassing excellence.
  • The actor's performance in the play was simply brilliant .
  • Magnificent or wonderful.
  • Highly intelligent.
  • She is a brilliant scientist.

    Synonyms

    * (shining brightly) glittering, shining * * * (surpassing excellence) excellent, distinctive, striking, superb (obsolete except in UK usage) * (magnificent or wonderful) exceptional, glorious, magnificent, marvellous/marvelous, splendid, wonderful (obsolete except in UK usage) * (highly intelligent) brainy, ingenious * See also

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A finely cut gemstone, especially a diamond, having many facets.
  • * Alexander Pope
  • This snuffbox — on the hinge see brilliants shine.
  • * 1891 , Arthur Conan Doyle, A Case of Identity
  • “And the ring?” I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which sparkled upon his finger.
  • (printing) A small size of type.
  • A kind of cotton goods, figured on the weaving.