1. Partial Agreement or Qualification:
* "Are you excited about the party?" "Not really." This means the person is not very excited, perhaps only slightly, or may even be somewhat unenthusiastic.
2. Refusal or Denial:
* "Do you want to go to the movies tonight?" "Not really." This indicates a clear lack of interest or desire.
3. Uncertainty or Ambiguity:
* "Did you enjoy the meal?" "Not really." This could mean the person didn't dislike the meal but didn't necessarily enjoy it either. It's a softer way of saying "no" or "I'm not sure."
4. Downplaying or Minimizing:
* "I'm not really tired." The speaker might be tired but is trying to downplay it.
5. Expressing a Subtle Difference:
* "That's not really what I had in mind." The speaker is indicating that while something might be similar to what they were thinking, it's not exactly what they wanted.
It's important to consider the context and tone of the speaker to understand the precise meaning of "not really". A slight emphasis on the word "really" can change the meaning significantly.