/ ˈæktʃuəli; NAmE / adverb
1.
used in speaking to emphasize a fact or a comment, or that sth is really true :
What did she actually say?
It's not actually raining now.
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?
➡ note at actual