Actually — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-lē/ ac·tu·al·ly

Meaning & Definition of Actually

Actually (adverb)

  1. in act or in fact, really
  2. in point of fact —used to suggest something unexpected

Actually (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to tell the truth

    "actually, I'd rather spend the evening at home"

    similar: admittedly, forsooth, frankly, honestly, indeed, really, truly, truthfully, verily, as a matter of fact, in actuality, in fact, in point of fact, in reality, in truth, to be sure
    related: absolutely, certainly, indisputably, indubitably, positively, realistically, undoubtedly, unquestionably, veritably

  2. in actual fact

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

    similar: authentically, certifiably, genuinely, really, truly, veritably, very, in actuality, in reality, in truth
    related: accurately, exactly, just, precisely, right, sharp, smack-dab, squarely, almost, nearly, practically, virtually, literally, positively, simply
    opposite: professedly, supposedly
    near: apparently, ostensibly, outwardly, plausibly, seemingly

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Actually

The most common words with a similar meaning to Actually:

admittedly, forsooth, frankly, honestly, indeed, really, truly, truthfully, verily, authentically, certifiably, genuinely, veritably, very, as a matter of fact, in actuality, in fact, in point of fact, in reality, in truth, to be sure

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Actually

Words with the opposite meaning of Actually:

professedly, supposedly

Related Words for Actually

absolutely, certainly, indisputably, indubitably, positively, realistically, undoubtedly, unquestionably, accurately, exactly, just, precisely, right, sharp, smack-dab, squarely, almost, nearly, practically, virtually, literally, simply

Near Antonyms of Actually

apparently, ostensibly, outwardly, plausibly, seemingly

Origin & Etymology of Actually

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

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Actually

Frequently Asked Questions about Actually

What does "Actually" mean?

"Actually" means in act or in fact, really. As an adverb, it is defined as: in act or in fact, really. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Actually"?

Other words for "Actually" include admittedly, forsooth, frankly, honestly, indeed, really, truly and truthfully. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Actually" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Actually"?

There are 43 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Actually". Common alternatives include admittedly, forsooth, frankly, honestly, indeed, really, truly, truthfully, verily and authentically.

What is the opposite of "Actually"?

Antonyms of "Actually" include professedly and supposedly. Near antonyms include apparently, ostensibly, outwardly and plausibly.

How do you use "Actually" in a sentence?

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".

Is "Actually" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Actually" is an adverb.

Is "Actually" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Actually" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Actually"?

"Actually" is pronounced /ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-lē/ and divided into syllables as ac·tu·al·ly.