# actually

Pronunciation: US say "AK-choo-uh-lee" /ˈæk.t͡ʃ(u.)(ə.)li/; UK say "AK-chuu-uh-lee" /ˈæk.t͡ʃʊ.ə.li/

## Adverb

1. In fact or in reality; used to emphasize that something is true, often contrary to what was expected.
   - Simple: Used to say that something is really true, even when it seems surprising.
   - _The plan actually worked better than anyone had predicted._
   - _He claimed to be an expert, but he actually knew very little._
2. Used in conversation to make a correction, an objection or a change of mind sound less abrupt, or to turn to a new topic.
   - Simple: Said to make a correction, a disagreement or a change of mind sound gentler, or to start a new topic.
   - _I'm not sure I agree, actually; the schedule seems far too tight to me._
   - _Oh, actually, while I have you here, did you get my email about the party?_

## Adverb

3. In an active or energetic manner; engaged in doing rather than merely being. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: In a way that is full of action or energy.
4. At the present moment, or at the particular time being described. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: At the time being talked about, or at that moment.

## Other meanings

- (interjection) Used to express agreement or to confirm what another person has just said.

## Origin

Built from actual plus the suffix -ly, it was spelled actualy or actuelly in Middle English.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/actually (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).