actually

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   in actual fact

   to be nominally but not actually independent

2. 2
   adv

   as a sentence modifier to add slight emphasis

   actually, we all help clear up after a meal

3. 3
   adv

   at the present moment

   the transmission screen shows the picture that is actually on the air

4. 4
   adv

   In act or in fact; really; in truth; positively.

   His promises did not correspond with what he actually did.

5. 5
   adv

   Actively.

   Neither actually […] nor passively.

6. 6
   adv

   Currently; at the time.

   At the time whereof we are writing, though the Great George was on the throne and ladies wore gigots and large combs like tortoise-shell shovels in their hair, instead of the simple sleeves and lovely wreaths which are actually in fashion, the manners of the very polite world were not, I take it, essentially different from those of the present day: and their amusements pretty similar.

7. 7
   intj

   Indicating affirmation, agreement.

   A: That was a pretty good movie.

8. 8
   adv

   used to imply that one would expect the fact to be the opposite of that stated

Etymology

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