Basic+ Word of the Day: actually

actually (adverb)

"We're actually homeowners!"

Actually means ‘in reality’ or ‘really.’

• "Would you like some dessert?" "Actually, I'm on a diet."

You can use actually to emphasize a fact that is unexpected or surprising.

• Susan calls me Mom, but I'm actually her grandmother.
• "Did you pass the test?" "Yes. I actually got a perfect score!"

Did you know?

In some languages, words related to actually mean ‘in the present time.’ In English, that is actually an obsolete meaning of the word.

In pop culture

Watch this trailer of the 2003 romantic comedy Love Actually. How many of the stars do you recognize?