Actually vs Genuinely
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Actually | Genuinely | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | In fact or really. | Truly or really, in an honest way. |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Usage notes | Use 'actually' to clarify or correct something. Be careful not to overuse it, as it can sound sarcastic in some contexts. | Use 'genuinely' to express sincerity or authenticity. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid it in very casual or slang settings. |
Frequently asked questions: Actually vs Genuinely
What's the difference between "Actually" and "Genuinely"?
"Actually" means: In fact or really. "Genuinely" means: Truly or really, in an honest way.
When should I use "Actually" and "Genuinely"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Actually" and "Genuinely" the same CEFR level?
"Actually" is at A2, "Genuinely" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.