always

[awl-weyz, -weez]

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.

always

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of always¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of always¹

C13 alles weiss, from Old English ealne weg, literally: all the way; see _all , _way

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

After dropping out of college 10 years ago, Rose, now 29, always thought he might return, though he never did.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable,” said Davie in a statement about his resignation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Subjective offside decisions, those where the player does not touch the ball, are always controversial.

Read more on BBC

Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable.

Read more on BBC

To Garrison, whom Mr. Kurlansky credits as a founder of American pacifism, violence was always wrong, no matter the circumstances.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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