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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Not really Meaning No

How many meanings you can think of are there in this expression, not really? And does it happen to have the meaning, no in the expression?

For example,

A : Your English is pretty good.
B: Not really. ( Meaning No )

Thank you.
  

Top answer

B: Not really. That means only 'No' to me.

— Mister Micawber

  • B: Not really.
  • That means only 'No' to me.
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8 Answers
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AnonymousA : Your English is pretty good.B: Not really.
That means only 'No' to me.
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Hi MM,
What's the subtle difference between 'no' and 'not really' when 'not really' means 'no'?

Thanks.
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'Not really' is self-effacing.
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Hi MM,
I can't figure out why 'not really' is self-effacing. Could you please explain it to me?
Thanks.
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AnonymousCould you please explain it to me?
There is nothing to explain; that's just the feeling that the phrase leaves with me. It avoids the directness of 'No'.
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AnonymousA : Your English is pretty good. B: Not really. ( Meaning No )
I think it could go in the opposite direction. I think "Not really" can show agreement with A's remark and still be self-effacing.

CJ
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Hi,
If B doesn't think A's remark is true and so doesn't agree the remark, can B use 'not really' to mean 'no'?

Thanks.
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AnonymousIf B doesn't think A's remark is true and so doesn't agree the remark, can B use 'not really' to mean 'no'?
Yes.
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