Always: meaning, definitions and examples

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always

 

[ ˈɔːlweɪz ]

Adverb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

in a consistent manner

At all times; on all occasions.

Synonyms

constantly, continuously, regularly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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?

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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.

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

Etymology

The word 'always' originated from the Old English word 'ealne weg', which meant 'all the way'. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation evolved to become 'always'. The concept of 'always' has been present in human language for centuries, reflecting the timeless nature of certain actions or states.

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.