actually

adverb

ac·​tu·​al·​ly ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-lē 

-sh(ə-w)ə-lē;

ˈaksh-lē, 

ˈaks-

1

: in act or in fact : really

trying to find out what actually happened

won't actually arrive for an hour

2

: in point of fact

—used to suggest something unexpected

was surprised to learn that she could actually speak German

Synonyms of actually

• honestly
• frankly
• really
• indeed

Examples of actually in a Sentence

actually, I'd rather spend the evening at home

I call her Aunt Emily, but she is actually my cousin, not my aunt.

Recent Examples on the Web

While physical remedies and treatments can provide some relief, experts have found that shifting one's mindset — or the way the brain approaches pain — can actually ease the discomfort. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 6 Dec. 2025

In her post, McCoy also explained that rushing children triggers a stress response and can actually create the very delays parents were trying to avoid. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025

But while having a variety of perfect cookies on hand when guests arrive might be the dream, actually pulling it off can feel overwhelming. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2025

The Falcons actually gave themselves a final shot late, advancing the football to Benedictine’s 8-yard line. —Kc Star, Kansas City Star, 6 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English actuelly, from actuel, actual actual + -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for actually

• contextually
• unusually
• dually

Kids Definition

actually

adverb

ac·​tu·​al·​ly ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-lē 

ˈak-sh(ə-w)ə-lē

: in fact or in truth : really

she actually spoke Spanish

actually, I didn't want to go