always

al-ways · adverb

imported

Definitions

adverb

  1. 1.

    At all times; on every occasion.

  2. 2.

    Forever; for all future time.

  3. 3.

    Throughout a long period of the past.

  4. 4.

    Repeatedly, typically in an annoying way.

  5. 5.

    As a last resort; if necessary.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    always and forever — For all time without exception.
  • •
    as always — As is typical; as usual.

Related words

Antonyms: never, rarely, sometimes
See also: constantly, ever, forever, never
Synonyms: constantly, continually, forever, perpetually

Etymology

From Middle English alles weis ("in every way"), from alle ("all") + genitive -s + weis ("way"). The phrase was later reduced to a single word.