“actually”

Definitions

• adverb

  in actual fact

  Synonyms: really, absolutely, assuredly, certainly, clearly, decidedly, demonstrably, factually, forsooth, genuinely, historically, indeed

  • Example:“to be nominally but not actually independent”
  • Example:“No one actually saw the shark.”

• adverb

  used to imply that one would expect the fact to be the opposite of that stated; surprisingly

  Synonyms: in reality

  • Example:“You may actually be doing the right thing by walking out.”
  • Example:“She actually spoke Latin.”

• adverb

  at present

  • Example:“The transmission screen shows the picture that is actually on the air.”

• adverb

  as a sentence modifier to add slight emphasis; as a modifier to add slight emphasis

  • Example:“Actually, we all help clear up after a meal.”
  • Example:“Actually, I haven't seen the film.”