actually

American  

[ak-choo-uh-lee] / ˈæk tʃu ə li /

adverb

1. as an actual or existing fact; really.

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actually British  

/ 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

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Usage

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).

Etymology

Origin of actually

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

Example Sentences

“They help me with the music, actually,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Several criticised the process - with the Senedd having no say in whether or not assisted dying is actually made legal, and voting while the Lords are still considering a large number of changes.

From BBC

But Google also has to get its chips actually made.

From The Wall Street Journal

There can't be many artists living now who actually remember World War Two.

From BBC

Related: Who can actually buy a house today?

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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