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.

Related Words

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