actually

adverb

ac·​tu·​al·​ly ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-lē 

-sh(ə-w)ə-lē;

ˈaksh-lē,

ˈaks-

1

: in act or in fact : really

trying to find out what actually happened

won't actually arrive for an hour

2

: in point of fact

—used to suggest something unexpected

was surprised to learn that she could actually speak German

Synonyms

• admittedly
• forsooth
• frankly
• honestly
• indeed
• really
• truly
• truthfully
• verily

Examples of actually in a Sentence

actually, I'd rather spend the evening at home

I call her Aunt Emily, but she is actually my cousin, not my aunt.

Recent Examples on the Web

Keep reading to see what actually makes a yogurt a good-for-you option—and how to pick the best one. —Laura Schober, Health, 28 May 2025

The Trump administration asserts that these demands to higher education institutions are aimed at curbing anti-semitism and discrimination against female athletes, but critics of such policies have accused them of actually being anti-Palestinian and anti-transgender athletes. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 28 May 2025

For the record, Edward S may not be wholly sincere (or actually very satisfied). —George Caulkin, New York Times, 28 May 2025

An opposition member of Congress from Vermont was actually jailed (later winning reelection from his jail cell — a unique feat). —John A. Ragosta, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English actuelly, from actuel, actual actual + -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for actually

• contextually
• unusually
• dually

Kids Definition

actually

adverb

ac·​tu·​al·​ly ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-lē 

ˈak-sh(ə-w)ə-lē

: in fact or in truth : really

she actually spoke Spanish

actually, I didn't want to go