usually

The word “usually” means under normal conditions; most of the time. In plain terms, generally, or most of the time — but not always.

“Usually” is pronounced YOO-zhoor-lee (/ˈjuːʒʊəli/ in IPA).

Here is “usually” used in a sentence: “I usually walk to work unless it rains.”

Words with a similar meaning to “usually” include mainly, commonly, regularly, mostly, on the whole and in the main.

The opposite of “usually” — its antonyms — are forever, occasionally and uniformly.

“Usually” is an adverb.

“Usually” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

Always means every single time, without exception. Usually means most of the time, but with room for exceptions — 'I usually walk to work' allows for days when you don't. So usually describes the normal pattern, while always insists there are no exceptions at all. Usually is the softer, more flexible word.

Usually points to what happens under normal conditions — the default, most of the time. Often just means many times or frequently, without implying it's the norm. Something you do usually happens more predictably and more than half the time; something you do often may still be the exception rather than the rule.

Usually normally sits in the middle of a sentence: before the main verb ('I usually arrive early') but after the verb 'to be' ('she is usually late'). For emphasis it can also open a sentence — 'Usually, we close at six.' It rarely comes at the very end.