The difference between Really and So

When used as adverbs, really means in a way or manner that is real, not unreal, whereas so means to the (explicitly stated) extent that.

Really is also interjection with the meaning: indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information.

So is also noun with the meaning: a syllable used in solfège to represent the fifth note of a major scale.

So is also conjunction with the meaning: in order that.

So is also adjective with the meaning: true, accurate.

check bellow for the other definitions of Really and So

  1. Really as an adverb (literal):

    In a way or manner that is real, not unreal.

  2. Really as an adverb (modal):

    Actually; in fact; in reality.

    Examples:

    "He really is a true friend."'' / ''"Really? What makes you so sure?"

  3. Really as an adverb (informal, as an intensifier):

    Very (modifying an adjective); very much (modifying a verb).

    Examples:

    "But ma, I really, really want to go to the show!"

  1. Really as a verb:

  1. So as an adverb:

    To the (explicitly stated) extent that.

    Examples:

    "It was so hot outside that all the plants died.  nowrap He was so good, they hired him on the spot."

  2. So as an adverb (informal):

    To the (implied) extent. Very (positive clause). Very (negative clause). Very much.

    Examples:

    "I need a piece of cloth <u>so</u> long. [= ''this'' long]"

    "He is <u>so</u> good!"

    "It’s not so bad. [i.e. it's acceptable]"

    "But I <u>so</u> want to see the Queen when she visits our town!&emsp; That is <u>so</u> nowrap not true!"

  3. So as an adverb:

    In a particular manner.

    Examples:

    "Place the napkin on the table just so. If that's what you mean, then say so; (or do so)."

  4. So as an adverb:

    In the same manner or to the same extent as aforementioned; also.

    Examples:

    "Just as you have the right to your free speech, so I have the right to mine.&emsp; nowrap Many people say she's the world's greatest athlete, but I don't think so.&emsp; nowrap "I can count backwards from one hundred." "So can I."

  5. So as an adverb:

    To such an extent or degree; as.

    Examples:

    "'so far as;&emsp; so long as;&emsp; so much as"

  1. So as an adjective:

    True, accurate.

    Examples:

    "That is so.&emsp; nowrap You are responsible for this, is that not so?"

  2. So as an adjective:

    In that state or manner; with that attribute.

  3. So as an adjective (dated, UK, slang):

    Homosexual.

    Examples:

    "Is he so?"

  1. So as a pronoun:

  1. So as a noun (music):

    A syllable used in solfège to represent the fifth note of a major scale.

  1. So as a noun (foods):

    A type of dairy product made in Japan between the seventh and 10th centuries.

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