What does "actually" mean?
In act or in fact; really; in truth; positively.
Actually
/ˈæk.t͡ʃʊ.ə.li/ adv, intj, slang
adv, intj, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: In act or in fact; really; in truth; positively.
- Grammar: actually is listed as adv, intj, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: really, to be precise, above a bit, absolutely.
- Useful contrasts: figuratively, metaphorically, ostensibly.
- Usage evidence: Half an eye is very useful actually, because an animal can see half of another animal, which wants to eat it, and can get out of the way, and it will eat the animal, which has only one-half eye or only 49% of an eye, because this to it will not be enough, and the animal, which was eaten up, will have no children, because it is dead.
How to use "actually"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "actually" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "actually" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "actually" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "actually" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "actually" is acting as adv, intj, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "really" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "actually", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adverb
- 1 In act or in fact; really; in truth; positively. modal, not-comparable
"His promises did not correspond with what he actually did."
- 2 Actively. not-comparable, obsolete
"Neither actually […] nor passively."
- 3 Currently; at the time. not-comparable
"At the time whereof we are writing, though the Great George was on the throne and ladies wore gigots and large combs like tortoise-shell shovels in their hair, instead of the simple sleeves and lovely wreaths which are actually in fashion, the manners of the very polite world were not, I take it, essentially different from those of the present day: and their amusements pretty similar."
Adverb
- 1 used to imply that one would expect the fact to be the opposite of that stated; surprisingly wordnet
- 2 in actual fact wordnet
- 3 as a sentence modifier to add slight emphasis; as a modifier to add slight emphasis wordnet
- 4 at present wordnet
Intj
- 1 Indicating affirmation, agreement. Philippines, informal
"A: That was a pretty good movie."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Half an eye is very useful actually, because an animal can see half of another animal, which wants to eat it, and can get out of the way, and it will eat the animal, which has only one-half eye or only 49% of an eye, because this to it will not be enough, and the animal, which was eaten up, will have no children, because it is dead."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "actually"?
Common synonyms include: really, to be precise, above a bit, absolutely, all things considered, assuredly.
How do you use "actually" in a sentence?
Half an eye is very useful actually, because an animal can see half of another animal, which wants to eat it, and can get out of the way, and it will eat the animal, which has only one-half eye or only 49% of an eye, because this to it will not be enough, and the animal, which was eaten up, will have no children, because it is dead.
How do you pronounce "actually"?
Pronounced /ˈæk.t͡ʃʊ.ə.li/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English actually, actuelly, equivalent to actual + -ly.
Etymology 2
A calque of Tagalog talaga.