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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | ealne weg 'all the way' |
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al‧ways S1 W1
1 all the time, at all times, or every time : 
Always lock your bicycle to something secure.She'd always assumed that Gabriel was a girl's name. He hadn't always been a butler.
Always lock your bicycle to something secure.She'd always assumed that Gabriel was a girl's name.He hadn't always been a butler.2 for a very long time : I've always wanted to go to Paris. John's always been keen on music.
I've always wanted to go to Paris.John's always been keen on music.3 for ever : I'll always remember that day.
I'll always remember that day.4 if someone or something is always doing something, they do it often, especially in an annoying way : That woman next door's always complaining.
That woman next door's always complaining.5 used to say that one important fact has to be accepted as true for something else to happen, be true etc : We'll leave on Tuesday - always assuming the car's repaired by then.
always assuming/supposing (that) something
British EnglishWe'll leave on Tuesday - always assuming the car's repaired by then.6 as is usual or expected : The truth, as always, is more complicated. As always, Deborah was the last to arrive.
as always
The truth, as always, is more complicated.As always, Deborah was the last to arrive.7 used to make a polite suggestion : You could always try ringing again. If you can't get it locally, there's always the Internet.
can/could always do something
, there's always something spokenYou could always try ringing again.If you can't get it locally, there's always the Internet.8 used to say you are not surprised by what someone has done because it is typical of them : You always were a stubborn creature. He's a troublemaker! Always was and always will be!
somebody always was lucky/untidy etc
You always were a stubborn creature.He's a troublemaker! Always was and always will be! ➔ see usage note still1WORD CHOICE: 
WORD CHOICE: 
still, alwaysUse still to say that a previous situation has not changed, and is continuing at the time of speaking • He still lives (NOT always lives) with his parents. • They still haven't sold their house. • I still get upset when I think about it.Always means 'all the time' or 'every time' • I always see him on Tuesdays.GRAMMARStill usually comes before the verb, or before the main verb if there is an auxiliary • She still calls me regularly. • Is he still crying? • I can still remember them.!! Still comes after the verb 'be' • It was still dark outside. • You are still my best friend.!! Still usually comes before any negative word • She still isn't ready. • I'm still not tired. • They still can't decide.!! Do not say 'still now' • I still think (NOT still now think) he's the best player ever. ➔ See also still
WORD CHOICE: still, alwaysUse still to say that a previous situation has not changed, and is continuing at the time of speaking • He still lives (NOT always lives) with his parents. • They still haven't sold their house. • I still get upset when I think about it.Always means 'all the time' or 'every time' • I always see him on Tuesdays.GRAMMARStill usually comes before the verb, or before the main verb if there is an auxiliary • She still calls me regularly. • Is he still crying? • I can still remember them.!! Still comes after the verb 'be' • It was still dark outside. • You are still my best friend.!! Still usually comes before any negative word • She still isn't ready. • I'm still not tired. • They still can't decide.!! Do not say 'still now' • I still think (NOT still now think) he's the best player ever. ➔ See also still
