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

Looking back at it now, almost 25 years later, it’s significant that she didn’t actually say the word depression.

Read more on Salon

Wolves actually played all right against Aston Villa on Sunday but they still lost again.

Read more on BBC

To actually feel intoxicated, a chimp would need to eat so much fruit that its stomach would become painfully distended.

Read more on Science Daily

I actually struggle to think of a business that would see an employee buzz off to a rival and let them stick around for the afternoon, much less cake and ice cream.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

City AM's Adam Bloodworth concluded that the show at its core "is actually a fairly analogue musical experience", which sustains its quality "without relying on particularly viral moments, gimmicks or tricks".

Read more on 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).