adv
always
AWL-wayz
adv
1
At all times; on every occasion, without exception.
"She always locks the door before going to bed."
"He has always wanted to visit Japan."
2
As a fallback option, if nothing else works.
"If the flight is cancelled, we can always drive instead."
How to Use Always
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEvery time, with no exceptions — or, in a looser sense, as a backup plan.
Common pairings
always been
almost always
you can always
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She _____ locks the door before going to bed.
Etymology
From Middle English alwayes, from Old English ealne weġ, literally "all the way" — originally meaning "the whole way" or "continuously."