always

[awl-weyz, -weez]

adverb

1. every time; on every occasion; without exception.

   He always works on Saturday.

   Synonyms: consistently, regularly

2. all the time; continuously; uninterruptedly.

   There is always some pollution in the air.

   Synonyms: unceasingly, perpetually, constantly

3. forever.

   Will you always love me?

   Synonyms: evermore, eternally

4. in any event; at any time; if necessary.

   She can always move back with her parents.

always

/ ˈɔːlweɪz, -wɪz /

adverb

1. without exception; on every occasion; every time

   he always arrives on time

2. continually; repeatedly

3. in any case

   you could always take a day off work

4. informal,  for ever; without end

   our marriage is for always

Word History and Origins

Origin of always¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English alwayes, alleweyes, alles weis, alteration of alle wey alway

Word History and Origins

Origin of always¹

C13 alles weiss, from Old English ealne weg, literally: all the way; see _all , _way

Synonym Study

Both always and ever refer to uniform or perpetual continuance. Always often expresses or implies repetition as producing the uniformity or continuance: The sun always rises in the east. Ever implies an unchanging sameness throughout: Natural law is ever to be reckoned with.

Example Sentences

“I love the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. That and Pirates of the Caribbean will always be my two favorite rides,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

Cummins has photographed the band for three decades, and always admired how Oasis fans identified with their working-class insouciance and biting humor.

From Los Angeles Times

“I always wanted to write something where people could see themselves because I didn’t have that in books,” Revord told Publisher’s Weekly.

From Los Angeles Times

For the individuals involved - with ambitions met or punctured - the overlooked, demoted or sacked almost always outnumber the elevated, smiling and promoted.

From BBC

She’s always seeking her father, not just in Skinner the soldier but in herself too, the remnants of his presence thrumming through her memory.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• consistently 
• constantly 
• ever 
• invariably 
• regularly 
• repeatedly