Always: meaning, definitions and examples

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always

[ˈɔːlweɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a consistent manner

At all times; on all occasions.

Synonyms

constantly, continuously, regularly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
always	Used to emphasize consistency or predictability in someone's behavior or actions. You're always so kind He's always on time
constantly	Refers to something that happens very frequently or without pause, often to the point of annoyance. The baby constantly cries at night She constantly checks her phone during meetings
regularly	Indicates that something happens at consistent intervals, but not necessarily all the time. She goes to the gym regularly They meet regularly to discuss the project
continuously	Describes an action that happens without interruption for a certain period of time. The car's engine runs continuously for hours He spoke continuously for an hour

Examples of usage

She always arrives late to the meetings.
I always brush my teeth before going to bed.
They always go on vacation in the summer.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a persistent manner

For all future time; for all time to come; forever.

Synonyms

eternally, forever, perpetually.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
always	This word is used when describing something that happens every single time or without exception. It implies a regular, predictable behavior. She always takes her coffee with sugar. He always calls his mom on Sundays.
forever	This word is used to describe something that lasts for an infinite amount of time, often in personal or emotional contexts. It suggests a very long duration. I will remember this moment forever. They vowed to be together forever.
eternally	This word is used to describe something that lasts for an infinite amount of time, often in a poetic or philosophical context. He promised to love her eternally. Stars have shown eternally in the night sky.
perpetually	This word is used to describe something that never seems to stop, often with a connotation of it being unpleasant or problematic. He is perpetually late to meetings. The region is perpetually plagued by conflict.

Examples of usage

I will always love you.
She will always be remembered for her kindness.
This moment will always stay in my memory.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'ælweigis', which meant 'all ways'.
In different languages, like Latin, the idea of constancy is expressed similarly, showing how universal this concept is.

Psychology

Using 'always' in statements can amplify feelings, making them seem more intense.
Cognitive biases often lead people to think in absolutes like 'always' or 'never', which can affect how they view situations.

Pop Culture

'Always' is a common phrase in song lyrics, emphasizing devotion or unchanging feelings, such as in the classic song 'I'll Always Love You'.
The word is featured in numerous movie quotes, representing timeless love or loyalty, encapsulated in expressions like 'I'll always be there for you'.

Linguistics

'Always' is an adverb, used to describe an action occurring regularly and can influence verb tenses in sentences.
In English, 'always' can be placed at the start, middle, or end of a sentence, affecting emphasis and rhythm.

Literature

Classic literature often uses 'always' to highlight a character's unwavering loyalty or belief, enriching themes of love and faithfulness.
Poets use 'always' to create a sense of permanence in their work, conveying emotions that transcend time.

Translations

Translations of the word "always" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sempre

🇮🇳 हमेशा

🇩🇪 immer

🇮🇩 selalu

🇺🇦 завжди

🇵🇱 zawsze

🇯🇵 いつも

🇫🇷 toujours

🇪🇸 siempre

🇹🇷 her zaman

🇰🇷 항상

🇸🇦 دائمًا

🇨🇿 vždy

🇸🇰 vždycky

🇨🇳 总是

🇸🇮 vedno

🇮🇸 alltaf

🇰🇿 әрқашан

🇬🇪 ყოველთვის

🇦🇿 həmişə

🇲🇽 siempre

Word Frequency Rank

With position #209, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

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206 required
207 known
208 example
209 always
210 best
211 held
212 further
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