actually
As it happens
Actually emphasizes that something is true or real, often contrasting with what was expected or assumed: I thought she'd be angry, but she was actually relieved.
It can introduce corrections: Actually, that's not quite right.
In casual speech, actually often softens statements or buys thinking time, adding little meaning: I actually kind of like it.
In actual fact
- trulyIn a genuine manner
- indeedWord affirming emphasis
- genuinelyIn a real manner
- seriouslyWith sincere intent
honestly · literally · absolutely · definitely · certainly · undoubtedly · positively · unquestionably
Opposed in nature
- ratherSomewhat, or by preference
- insteadAs a replacement
- howeverIntroduces a contrasting point
- butContrast introducer
though · on the contrary · in fact · as it happens · well · correction · misunderstanding · misconception
In unanticipated manner
- unexpectedlyWithout prior indication
- believe it or notPreface to something improbable
- strangelyIn unusual manner
- oddlyIn a strange manner
as it turns out · interestingly · remarkably · astonishingly · shockingly · incredibly · amazingly · who knew
really
In actual fact
seriously · honestly · literally · absolutely · definitely · certainly · undoubtedly · positively · unquestionably · decidedly
contrary
Opposed in nature
but · though · on the contrary · in fact · as it happens · well · correction · misunderstanding · misconception · clarification
surprisingly
In unanticipated manner
- unexpectedlyWithout prior indication
- believe it or notPreface to something improbable
- strangelyIn unusual manner
as it turns out · oddly · interestingly · remarkably · astonishingly · shockingly · incredibly · amazingly · who knew · plot twist
real
Truly existing, not fake
existing · concrete · tangible · factual · verifiable · substantive · practical · effective · de facto · in reality
- adverbsquickly, slowly, very, really, now
- filler phrasesum, uh, like, you know, I mean
- speech habitsmumbling, stuttering, stammering, rambling, interrupting
- condescensionpatronizing, belittling, talking down, talk down, superiority
- false friendsembarrassed, eventually, fabric, gift, gymnasium
- speech fillersuh, um, er, hmm, like
actuallyseemingly
Appearing to be so
apparently · ostensibly · outwardly · superficially · supposedly
actuallyhypothetically
In assumed circumstances
theoretically · in theory · potentially · possibly · conceivably
actuallysupposedly
As is claimed
allegedly · professedly · purportedly · nominally · reputedly
- actual sizeMatching real dimensions
- well actually
- what the actual fuckAmplified profane incredulity
- Love ActuallyMulti-storyline December romantic comedy
- actual costTrue expenditure incurred
actual, actuality, actualize, actualization, actualized, actualizing, actualizes, actuals