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

"Unless you want that response. Maybe Jaguar did actually want this kind of response" Mr Rolston ponders.

From BBC

Yet that same summer, Perry said federal psychedelics legalization was actually “more supported by Republicans” than Democrats.

From Salon

I don't want to overstate: It was not the perfect response, but I actually think we got a lot of things done pretty effectively, pretty quickly.

From Salon

I feel for the dog, but if he can actually speak, let’s get him an agent and send him out on tour so the pup can raise a fortune for his cause.

From Los Angeles Times

The authorization that Musk and Ramaswamy take up actually refers to an internal House of Representative's rule that creates a separate process for authorization and appropriations, experts said.

From Salon

Related Words

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

How Do You Spell Actually?

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).