always
- 1Every time, or again and again, not just once in a while.
Like the sun coming up every single morning.
She always brushes her teeth before going to bed.
The bus is always late on rainy days.
UsagePut it before the main verb: I always walk. Put it after be: she is always late.
Similarconstantly, invariably, consistently
- 2For all of time, from the very start until now.
Like something that has been there forever, with no beginning.
The mountains have always stood at the edge of the valley.
People have always looked up at the stars and wondered.
UsageOften with have or has: the river has always been here.
Similarforever, eternally, perpetually, endlessly, continually
Oppositenever
- 3Used to offer a backup plan if nothing better works.
Like keeping a spare key in case you lose the first one.
If the train is canceled, you can always take the bus.
You can always ask a teacher if you get stuck.
UsageUsually can always: we can always try again.
Practice
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Origin
From Old English words meaning "all the way" or "all the while," that is, continuously. It came through Middle English forms of the word.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts
- The Old English source meant all the way or all the while, conveying continuity. en.wiktionary.org
- Always developed through Middle English forms. en.wiktionary.org