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always

/ˈɑlweɪz/
/ˈɔlweɪz/
IPA guide

To always do something is to never stop doing it, or to do it every time. Some people believe that if you always say “please” and “thanks,” everyone will love you. They’re wrong, but still — say “please” and “thanks.”

The adverb always came about in the mid 14th century. It came from a pair of Old English words, ealne weg, which literally meant "all the way." A lot of times when people use the word they're exaggerating. If you routinely roll into work after everyone else has settled down at their desks, you boss might accuse you of "always" being late, even if you're only late once or twice a week.

Definitions of always
  1. adverb
    at all times; all the time and on every occasion
    “I will always be there to help you”
    always arrives on time”
    “there is always some pollution in the air”
    synonyms: e'er, ever
  2. adverb
    at any time or in any event
    “you can always resign if you don't like it”
    “you could always take a day off”
  3. adverb
    forever; throughout all time
    “we will always be friends”
    “I shall treasure it always
    “I will always love you”
  4. adverb
    without interruption
  5. adverb
    without variation or change, in every case
    “he always arrives on time”
    synonyms: constantly, invariably
Pronunciation
US
/ˈɑlweɪz/
UK
/ˈɔlweɪz/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘always'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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