always

adverb

always definition & meaning

  • at all times; all the time and on every occasion
  • without interruption
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Examples of always in a sentence

As a adverb

  • She always arrives early to meetings
  • He always forgets his keys at home
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Synonyms for always

  • constantly
  • perpetually
  • invariably
  • continually
  • endlessly
  • eternally
  • unfailingly

Rhymes with always

  • hallways
  • doorways
  • pathways
  • runways
  • subways

Related words to always

forever

constantly

perpetually

eternally

invariably

unceasingly

endlessly

continuously

habitually

permanently

Word history

Etymology

The word "always" originates from the Middle English term "alweyes," which itself evolved from the Old English "ealne weg," meaning "all the way" or "entirely." The Old English "ealne" is the accusative form of "eall," meaning "all," while "weg" translates to "way" or "path." This combination conveyed a sense of continuity or perpetuity. Over time, the phrase "ealne weg" was contracted and altered in pronunciation and spelling, leading to variations such as "alway" and "alweyes" in Middle English. The suffix "-es" in "alweyes" was a genitive singular ending, which was commonly used in adverbial formations during the Middle English period. By the late Middle English period, the spelling and pronunciation stabilized to "always," which has persisted into modern English. The evolution of "always" reflects the linguistic shifts from Old to Middle English, including changes in pronunciation, spelling, and grammatical structures, as well as the influence of Norman French after the Norman Conquest, which contributed to the simplification and standardization of English vocabulary and grammar.

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How many points is always worth in Scrabble?

Total points

12

Per letter points

A1L1W4A1Y4S1

Dictionary check

  • Offcl. Scrabble Pl. Dict. & Offcl Scrabble WordsYES
  • Collins Scrabble Words 2021YES
  • NASPA Word List 2020YES
  • Tournament Word List 2006YES
  • Words with Friends 2000YES
  • Words with Friends 1997 (Retired)YES

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