ACTUALLY - Definition & Meaning for Kids
Meaning 1
Part of speech: Adverb
in actual fact
Example: to be nominally but not actually independent; no one actually saw the shark; large meteorites actually come from the asteroid belt
Meaning 2
Part of speech: Adverb
used to imply that one would expect the fact to be the opposite of that stated; surprisingly
Example: you may actually be doing the right thing by walking out; she actually spoke Latin; they thought they made the rules but in reality they were only puppets; people who seem stand-offish are in reality often simply nervous
Meaning 3
Part of speech: Adverb
at the present moment
Example: the transmission screen shows the picture that is actually on the air
Meaning 4
Part of speech: Adverb
as a sentence modifier to add slight emphasis
Example: actually, we all help clear up after a meal; actually, I haven't seen the film; I'm not all that surprised actually; she hasn't proved to be too satisfactory, actually
Synonyms
🌱 Word Origin (Etymology)
The word "actually" comes from Middle English actualy.
🔗 Related Words
actual – A related word in the same word family.
ly – A related word in the same word family.
🧩 Fun Fact
Many Middle English words had multiple spellings because standardization didn't exist yet.