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

"Especially with the cost of living being really bad, people need more money so they can actually afford the basics," she tells BBC Newsbeat.

From BBC

A recent report External link by Homebase, a workforce management platform, showed that while labor participation held flat in the early part of the year, hours worked actually edged up.

From Barron's

In a world where digital optimization can make just about anyone sound passable on the microphone, a pop singer with personality whose voice actually communicates stands out.

From The Wall Street Journal

In Wilson, she has a subject who actually seems worthy of study, and a viewer’s time.

From The Wall Street Journal

Everyone talks about “budgeting” — but I’ve found the real challenge is clearing the psychological hurdle to sitting down and auditing where your cash actually goes each month.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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