Definition

1. Adverb:
   • At all times; on every occasion; without exception: Indicates that something is true or happens in every instance or situation.
   • Forever; for all future time; throughout all time: Indicates that something will continue indefinitely into the future.
   • In any case; as a last resort or possibility: Used to suggest an action that can be taken if needed.

Usage and Examples

• Indicating habitual occurrence or constant truth:
  • She always brushes her teeth before bed. (This is her invariable habit.)
  • The sun always rises in the east. (This is a constant, unchanging truth.)
• Indicating perpetual continuation:
  • I will always remember you. (My memory of you will last forever.)
  • He promised to love her always. (His love will last for all time.)
• Suggesting an available option:
  • If the train is late, you can always take a bus. (Taking a bus is a reliable alternative.)
  • You could always ask for help. (Asking for help is a possible course of action.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Not always": Used to indicate that something is not invariably true, introducing an exception.
  • He is not always right. (He is sometimes wrong.)
• For emphasis or exaggeration: Often used in informal contexts to strengthen a statement, though not meant literally.
  • You always leave your socks on the floor! (This exaggerates frequency for emphasis, meaning "very often.")
• In constant change: Can describe a state of uninterrupted flux.
  • Technology is always evolving. (Technology is in a state of constant, continuous change.)

Variants and Related Words

• Everlasting (adj): Lasting forever or for a very long time.
  • They promised everlasting friendship.
• Invariably (adv): In every case or on every occasion; always. (More formal synonym)
  • She is invariably polite.
• Perpetually (adv): In a way that never ends or changes; constantly.
  • He seems perpetually busy.

Synonyms

• Constantly: Regularly over a period of time; always.
• Continuously: Without interruption.
• Invariably: In every case; always.
• Forever: For all future time; always.

Antonyms

• Never: At no time; not ever.
• Sometimes: Occasionally, rather than always.
• Seldom: Not often; rarely.

Common Phrases and Idioms

• Always and forever: An emphatic phrase stressing eternal duration.
  • I will be grateful to you always and forever.
• As always: In the usual or expected way.
  • He was, as always, impeccably dressed.
• You can always...: A phrase used to suggest a fallback option or solution.
  • If you're hungry, you can always make a sandwich.

Adverb

1. forever; throughout all time
   • we will always be friends
   • I shall treasure it always
   • I will always love you
2. at any time or in any event
   • you can always resign if you don't like it
   • you could always take a day off
3. without interruption
   • the world is constantly changing
4. without variation or change, in every case
   • constantly kind and gracious
   • he always arrives on time
5. at all times; all the time and on every occasion
   • I will always be there to help you
   • always arrives on time
   • there is always some pollution in the air
   • ever hoping to strike it rich
   • ever busy