ACTUALLY

[adverb] [not gradable]Actually means in fact, really.I didn't actually see her - I just heard her voice.I only intended to be there for a few days, but I actually ended up staying for a whole month.Actually is often used in sentences in which there is information that is in some way surprising or the opposite of what most people would expect.I didn't like him at first, but in the end I actually got quite fond of him.I'm one of the few people who doesn't actually like champagne.Actually I rather like this music.To think that I was actually in the same room as her!(humorous) Don't tell me he actually agreed to pay for you! You are honoured!Actually is sometimes used as a way of making a sentence slightly more polite, for example when you are expressing an opposing opinion, correcting what someone else has said or refusing an offer."Alexander looks like he'd be good at sports." "Actually, he's not."Actually, Gavin, it was Tuesday of last week, not Wednesday."Do you mind if I smoke?" "Well, actually, I'd rather you didn't."Actually, I won't stay because I've got to go and collect the kids.