What does "not really" mean?

to me not really means kinda but not yes or no. i use not really when someone asks me if i want to do something but i really don't and rather than say no i say not really:)

Well not really is usually an indecisive answer, or an "it is okay" kind of thing. When he says "no, not really" he probably just wants to make sure that he will not upset you by saying "yes". Of course he was attracted to her and thought she was a little pretty or more, he just doesn't want to make you feel jealous or less pretty than her, you know what I mean? It can have a lot of meanings depending on who says it and to what context they are saying.

In this sense I think he told you "not really" just so he didn't have to go into detail because that kind of question can sure open up a whole different can of worms.

Have a nice night

I feel when you use the term "not really" one doesn't want to commit to a yes or no answer to have it come back at them later down the road. Like your friend saying "no, not really" pretty, he can still get out of that if it hit him later down the road from this girl.

ooh frst rule u dont tell ur current gf tht ur ex was pretty ......so i guess in this situation it means tht his ex was pretty but he doesnt watnt to tell u.......coz he doesnt want to dissapoint u

for me,"not really" has several meanings.it may mean that the ex is plain faced.it may also mean that she is pretty,but he is downplaying it so you won't have to ask further.it may also mean that he doesn't want to talk about her.you just have to watch for his facial expressions on how he says it.