always

American  

[awl-weyz, -weez] / ˈɔl weɪz, -wiz /

adverb

1. every time; on every occasion; without exception.

   He always works on Saturday.

   Synonyms:

   consistently, regularly

2. all the time; continuously; uninterruptedly.

   There is always some pollution in the air.

   Synonyms:

   unceasingly, perpetually, constantly

3. forever.

   Will you always love me?

   Synonyms:

   evermore, eternally

4. in any event; at any time; if necessary.

   She can always move back with her parents.

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always British  

/ ˈɔːlweɪz, -wɪz /

adverb

1. without exception; on every occasion; every time

   he always arrives on time

2. continually; repeatedly

3. in any case

   you could always take a day off work

4. informal for ever; without end

   our marriage is for always

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Related Words

Both always and ever refer to uniform or perpetual continuance. Always often expresses or implies repetition as producing the uniformity or continuance: The sun always rises in the east. Ever implies an unchanging sameness throughout: Natural law is ever to be reckoned with.

Etymology

Origin of always

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English alwayes, alleweyes, alles weis, alteration of alle wey alway

Example Sentences

He has always been congratulatory of me, almost proud of me in a sense.

From BBC

That doesn’t mean that looking through a jump in energy prices is always a bad idea.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We stand right there next to our negotiating team—always willing and prepared to put them in an even better position,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I've talked to some of these pilots. I've told them, 'You guys see me waving when you come by the house?' I'm like, 'You guys are always welcome to cruise by my house, any time.'"

From BBC

But Robyn has always worked slowly, and the rest of the LP is up to her high standards.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• consistently
• constantly
• ever
• invariably
• regularly
• repeatedly