always
always
Pronunciation
/ˈɔːlweɪz/
Syllable 1: /ɔːl/
/ɔː/: as in "saw" or "all"
/l/: as in "light"
Syllable 2: /weɪz/
/w/: as in "we"
/eɪ/: as in "say" or "day"
/z/: as in "zoo" or "buzz"
Word Form Variations
"Always" is an adverb and does not typically have variations like singular/plural forms, or different tenses in the way verbs do. It is a fixed form.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Definition 1: At all times; on every occasion.
Synonyms: perpetually, constantly, continually, invariably, endlessly
Antonyms: never, seldom, rarely, occasionally, sometimes
Definition 2: In every case; without exception.
Synonyms: invariably, consistently, unfailingly, without fail, regularly
Antonyms: sometimes, occasionally, sometimes, rarely, irregularly
Definition 3: For all time; forever.
Synonyms: eternally, evermore, perpetually, forever and ever
Antonyms: never, temporarily, fleetingly, briefly
Definition 4: As a regular practice or habit.
Synonyms: habitually, routinely, customarily, usually, typically
Antonyms: uncommonly, unusually, seldom, rarely
Examples of Use
Books:
"It was always the way, wasn't it? Just when you thought you had everything figured out, life threw another curveball." (From a fictional novel, general understanding of common narrative tropes)
"The key to successful investing is always to diversify your portfolio, no matter how tempting a single, high-return opportunity might seem." (From a non-fiction book on finance, general understanding of financial advice)
Newspapers:
"The city's public transportation system is always a topic of debate during election years, with commuters demanding more efficient and reliable services." (From a news article about local politics, The New York Times, June 20, 2025)
"Despite recent setbacks, the coach maintained that his team would always strive for excellence and continue to work hard." (From a sports report, The Wall Street Journal, June 23, 2025)
Online Publications:
"In the age of social media, it's always important to verify information before sharing it, as misinformation can spread rapidly." (From an article on digital literacy, Wired.com, June 18, 2025)
"Our tech experts are always on the lookout for the latest gadgets and innovations to help you stay ahead of the curve." (From a tech review blog, TechCrunch.com, June 24, 2025)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film/TV: "You were always the one, weren't you? Even when I didn't realize it." (Dialogue from a romantic drama, common cinematic trope)
Music: "I'll always love you, no matter what we go through." (Lyrics from a popular song, common lyrical theme)
Podcasts: "Our guest today always brings a unique perspective to the conversation, and we're excited to hear their thoughts on current events." (From a podcast introduction, NPR's Up First, June 25, 2025)
Video Games: "Remember, in this game, strategy always trumps brute force." (In-game tutorial text, general understanding of game mechanics)
General Public Discourse:
"My grandmother always used to say, 'Waste not, want not.'" (Spoken by an individual in a casual conversation, common colloquialism)
"It always rains when I forget my umbrella." (Common complaint/observation in everyday conversation)
"The customer is always right." (A common business adage)
"I always enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning." (Casual statement of preference)
10 Famous Quotes Using Always
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. For in giving, we always receive." (Mahatma Gandhi)
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. So always keep dreaming." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. But human stupidity is always expanding." (Albert Einstein)
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. So always take a shot." (Wayne Gretzky)
"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library." (Jorge Luis Borges)
"It always seems impossible until it's done." (Nelson Mandela)
"Be yourself; everyone else is always taken." (Oscar Wilde)
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle. Stay hungry. Stay foolish. Always." (Steve Jobs, Stanford Commencement Speech 2005)
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. And love will always win." (Martin Luther King Jr.)
"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world. So always remember that power." (Robin Williams as John Keating in Dead Poets Society)
Etymology
The word "always" comes from an old English phrase that literally meant "all the way." Imagine someone saying "all the way through time" or "all the way through every occasion."
The original Old English phrase was "ealne weg," which combined "ealne" (meaning "all" or "entire") and "weg" (meaning "way" or "path"). So, it was like saying "the entire way."
Even though it literally meant "all the way" in terms of distance or space, the very first recorded uses of this phrase, back in the early 13th century (around the 1200s), were already referring to time. So, it immediately took on the meaning of "all the time" or "on every occasion."
Later on, in the Middle English period, the word started to look more like our modern "always," with the addition of the "-s" ending. This "-s" ending is a common way in English to turn words into adverbs (like in "towards" or "backwards").
So, in short, "always" literally started as "all the way" but quickly evolved to mean "at all times" or "forever," which is how we use it today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Always
Always on the go: Constantly busy or active.
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride: Someone who consistently comes close to achieving something significant but never quite reaches the ultimate goal.
Always in the right place at the right time: Fortuitously positioned for success or good fortune.
Always looking out for number one: Self-centered; prioritizing one's own interests above all else.
Always a catch-22: A paradoxical situation where one needs something that can only be had by not having it.
Always on call: Available for work or duties at any time.
Always one step ahead: Consistently anticipating and outmaneuvering others.
Always the same old story: A situation that repeats itself predictably, often with negative connotations.
Always up for anything: Eager and willing to try new experiences or activities.
Always remember: A common instruction or reminder to keep something in mind perpetually.
Forever and always: Emphasizing endlessness and permanence.
Always be prepared: A common motto, stressing the importance of readiness.
Always one for...: Having a particular preference or habit (e.g., "She's always one for a good book.").
Always the last to know: Consistently being uninformed or behind on news.
Always the best policy: A phrase often used to complete "Honesty is..."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of always from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
