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

“Everybody is looking under the hood and saying, ‘Are these actually credit-worthy loans?’” he said.

From MarketWatch

While operating margins of 25.3% fell short of consensus analyst estimates for 26.4%, this is actually a positive sign that management is prioritizing business investments, Gallo wrote in a note following the company’s earnings report.

From MarketWatch

This year, the inevitable embroilments of awards season may have actually worked in favor of “Sinners.”

From The Wall Street Journal

And other topics we explore include how artificial intelligence may actually be increasing our workloads, and accolades for actor Coleman Domingo.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We just don’t want to be too quick to celebrate before we actually know what’s going on,” said Harvey, the director of NYU’s Public Safety Lab.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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