adv

actually

AK-chuu-uh-lee

adv

In fact; used to indicate that something is true, especially when it may be surprising.

"I actually enjoyed the movie, despite the bad reviews."

"She actually finished the marathon in under four hours."

intj

Used to introduce a correction, clarification, or mild disagreement.

"Actually, I think the meeting is at three, not two."

How to Use Actually

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishReally, in fact — often used to correct a misunderstanding or highlight something unexpected.

Common mistake

Overusing "actually" to open sentences can sound condescending in conversation; use sparingly when correcting someone.

Common pairings

actually happened actually think but actually

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Can you complete this real example?

I _____ enjoyed the movie, despite the bad reviews.

From Middle English actually, formed from actual plus -ly.

above a bit all things considered as a matter of fact by right certainly come to think of it de facto definitely de jure forsooth fact is frankly

figuratively metaphorically ostensibly virtually

very ostensibly exactly definitely generally certainly mostly nearly

ally bally sally Wally dally rally tally pally Lally Cally really orally

above a bit all things considered as a matter of fact by right certainly come to think of it de facto definitely de jure forsooth fact is frankly