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

If we take the average of number of days where snow falls in a month, March is actually snowier than December.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

“The Americans are talking directly and openly about doing away with NATO. The notion that actually it’s expendable—that is new,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

“However, under the co-management framework, the tribe has been expecting that there would be partnership to secure the next round of funding… so that there would be capacity to actually continue the work.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

"To be able to actually contribute to something like this, it's very exciting," Do said.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

Did they actually look like doors, or were they merely great balls of light floating above the forest floor?

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

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