Really vs Exactly - What's the difference?
really | exactly |
(lb) Actually; in fact; in reality.
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Very (modifying an adjective); very much (modifying a verb).
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*: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;.
Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism.
Indicating that what was just said was obvious and unnecessary; contrived incredulity
(colloquial, chiefly, US) Indicating affirmation, agreement.
Indicating displeasure at another person's behaviour or statement.
(manner) without approximation; precisely.
(focus) Used to provide emphasis.
(Signifies agreement or recognition)
As adverbs the difference between really and exactly
is that really is actually; in fact; in reality while exactly is 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 recognitionreally
English
Adverb
(en adverb)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.}}
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. '>citationSynonyms
* (actually) actually, in fact, indeed, truly * (sense) soStatistics
*Interjection
(en interjection)- A: He won the Nobel Prize yesterday.
- B: Really?
- A: I've just been reading Shakespeare - he's one of the best authors like, ever!
- B: Really .
- A: That girl talks about herself way too much.
- B: Really . She's a nightmare.
- Well, really ! How rude.
Synonyms
* you don't say, no kidding, oh really, no reallyReferences
exactly
English
Adverb
(en adverb)- Measure exactly so we can be sure it is right.
- The edge is not exactly straight.
- 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
* approximatelyInterjection
(en interjection)- So you're saying that we have only three days left? / Yes, exactly !