actually

[ak-choo-uh-lee]

adverb

1. as an actual or existing fact; really.

actually

/ ˈæktʃʊəlɪ /

adverb

1. 1. as an actual fact; really

   2. ( as sentence modifier )

      actually, I haven't seen him

2. at present

3. informal,  a parenthetic filler used to add slight emphasis

   I don't know, actually

Word History and Origins

Origin of actually¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; actual ( def. ), + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

"And we are actually gaining from that as well - so it's not like a net loss to us."

From BBC

Take, for example, the increasingly popular conservative idea that slavery was actually good for Black people, or at least not that bad.

From Los Angeles Times

Until you actually see it and feel it, you don't truly believe you have never worked like that before.

From BBC

Firstly, is Swift actually a massive football fan?

From BBC

"It's actually quite miraculous with the windows being right there that not one of us was hurt," she added.

From BBC

Related Words

• absolutely 
• for real 
• genuinely 
• in fact 
• indeed 
• literally 
• really 
• truly 
• verily 

When To Use

Spelling tips for actually

The word actually is hard to spell because it uses a double l. How to spell actually: The word actually is often used for emphasis. Keep in mind that to really make your point, you need Lots of Ls (a double l).