What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Really vs Busy - What's the difference?

really | busy |

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 busy is

crowded with business or activities; having a great deal going on.

As a verb busy is

to make somebody busy , to keep busy with, to occupy, to make occupied.

As a noun busy is

a police officer.

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

    busy

    English

    Adjective

    (er)
  • Crowded with business or activities; having a great deal going on.
  • a busy street
  • * Shakespeare
  • To-morrow is a busy day.
  • Engaged in another activity or by someone else.
  • The director cannot see you now, he's busy .
    Her telephone has been busy all day.
    She is too busy to have time for riddles.
  • Having a lot going on; complicated or intricate.
  • Flowers, stripes, and checks in the same fabric make for a busy pattern.
  • Officious; meddling.
  • * 1603 , , IV. ii. 130:
  • I will be hanged if some eternal villain, / Some busy and insinuating rogue, / Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, / Have not devised this slander; I'll be hanged else.

    Verb

  • To make somebody busy , to keep busy with, to occupy, to make occupied.
  • * On my vacation I'll busy myself with gardening.
  • To rush somebody.
  • Noun

    (busies)
  • A police officer.