downright
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downright
An adverb used to intensify a statement, meaning 'almost', 'directly', or 'really'. It often expresses surprise at the extent of something.
Seine Forderung war geradezu unverschämt.
His demand was downright outrageous.
The word is made up of 'gerade' (straight) and 'zu' (toward). You can imagine it as a movement that goes 'gerade auf etwas zu' (straight toward something), reaching the goal directly and without detours, which explains its intensifying meaning.
Seine Antwort war geradezu genial.
His answer was downright brilliant.
'Geradezu' (downright) almost always stands directly before the adjective or noun it is meant to intensify. It emphasizes the degree of, or surprise about, a quality.
Die Stille in der großen Halle war geradezu unheimlich.
The silence in the large hall was downright eerie.
'Geradezu' (downright) is often used to emphasize strong or extreme qualities. Typical combinations are 'geradezu unglaublich' (downright unbelievable), 'geradezu lächerlich' (downright ridiculous), or 'geradezu perfekt' (downright perfect).
Für diese kleine Wohnung verlangt er einen geradezu lächerlichen Preis.
For this small apartment, he is asking a downright ridiculous price.
really
'wirklich' and 'geradezu' can both intensify a statement. 'wirklich' is very general and fits many everyday situations when you want to confirm or emphasize something. 'geradezu' is stronger and often sounds as if the extent is surprising or almost extreme. That is why 'geradezu' does not fit every normal emphasis. You can say: 'Das Essen ist wirklich gut.' (The food is really good.) 'Das Essen ist geradezu perfekt' (The food is downright perfect) sounds stronger and a bit more elevated. Learners may confuse the words because both act like intensifiers. In practice: 'wirklich' is more neutral, while 'geradezu' emphasizes something special or unexpected.
Nach der Renovierung ist die kleine Wohnung geradezu gemütlich geworden.
After the renovation, the small apartment has become downright cozy.
Bei der Arbeit ist das neue Programm wirklich hilfreich.
At work, the new program is really helpful.