## Meanings
1. used to say what is really true, especially when it is surprising
2. used to add new information or correct someone politely
3. in fact; in real terms

## Examples
- It looks difficult, but it's actually quite easy.
- Actually, the meeting has been moved to Friday.
- He is nominally in charge, but his deputy actually runs the company.

## Synonyms
- certainly
- definitely
- forsooth
- frankly
- honestly
- indeed
- indubitably
- legitimately
- literally
- properly
- really
- right

## Antonyms
- figuratively
- metaphorically
- ostensibly
- virtually

## Derived Forms
- exactually

## Related Forms
- facts
- genuine
- trufax

## Roots and Affixes
- Root: actually

## Etymology
From Middle English actually, actuelly, equivalent to actual + -ly.

## AI Etymology
Actually is from Middle English actually, actuelly, equivalent to actual plus -ly. The suffix -ly recasts equivalent to actual as an adverb: the lexical idea remains recognizable, but the word now describes manner, degree, or circumstance rather than naming the quality by itself. In use as an adverb, actually denotes used to say what is really true, especially when it is surprising, used to add new information or correct someone politely, and in fact; in real terms. The same word family continues in derived forms such as exactually and related entries such as facts, genuine, and trufax.

## Topics
- Describing Qualities

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