actually
actually Lexical Profile
actually Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
As the truth or facts of a situation; really or in reality.
"We must base our policy on what is actually happening in the economy rather than on theoretical projections."
Used to emphasize that something someone has said or done is surprising, unexpected, or contrary to a previous assumption.
"Everyone assumed the ancient manuscript was lost forever, but the archivist actually found it in the basement."
Used in conversation to politely correct someone, introduce a contrasting opinion, or shift to a new topic.
"Actually, the meeting has been moved to Thursday afternoon, so we have an extra day to prepare."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused by speakers of Romance and Germanic languages with cognates like Spanish 'actualmente' or French 'actuellement'; in English, 'actually' means 'in fact' or 'really,' whereas 'currently' or 'presently' is used to mean 'at the present time.'
• Rhymes for actually
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'actual' (borrowed from Old French 'actuel' and Late Latin 'actualis', meaning 'active' or 'practical', from Latin 'actus', 'a doing or act') combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.