actually

Universal Words adverb 1 used in speaking to emphasize a fact or a comment, or that sth is really true: Well, what did she actually say? * It's not actually raining at the moment. * That's the only reason I'm actually going. * There are lots of people there who can actually help you. * I didn't want to say anything without actually reading the letter first. 2 used to show a contrast between what is true and what sb believes, and to show surprise about this contrast: It was actually quite fun after all. * The food was not actually all that expensive. * Our turnover actually increased last year. 3 used to correct sb in a polite way: We're not American, actually. We're Canadian. * Actually, it would be much more sensible to do it later. * They're not married, actually. 4 used to get sb's attention, to introduce a new topic or to say sth that sb may not like, in a polite way: Actually, I'll be a bit late home. * Actually, I'm busy at the moment-can I call you back? -< ACTUAL