actually
adverb (SAYING NO) /ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/ /-tju-/ /-tʃʊ.li/Definition
1. Definition
2. Practise
B2 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."Polite expressions
(Definition of actually adverb (SAYING NO) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus
© Cambridge University Press)
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Synonyms and related words:
- after preposition
- allow verb (GIVE PERMISSION)
- by all means idiom
- chance noun (LUCK)
- disrespect noun
- don't mention it! idiom
- don't mind me idiom
- excuse verb
- forgive verb
- good adjective (KIND)
- honour noun (RESPECT)
- how adverb
- may modal verb (PERMISSION)
- no problem idiom
- obliged adjective (GRATEFUL)
- pardon exclamation
- perhaps adverb
- please exclamation
- possibly adverb (WITH CAN/COULD)
- pray adverb
Topic:
Polite expressions
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