alway

English

Etymology

From Middle English allwaye, alle wey, from Old English ealneġ, ealneweġ (“always, perpetually”, literally “all the way”), from ealne + weġ (accusative case), equivalent to al- (“all”) +‎ way. Cognate with Scots alwayis (“always”). More at all, way.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɔːlweɪ/, poetic /ɔːlˈweɪ/

Adverb

alway (not comparable)

1. (archaic) All along; for all time, perpetually.
   • 1526, William Tyndale, trans. Bible, Matthew XXVIII:

     And lo I am with you allwaye even untyll the ende off the worlde.

   • 1900, Ernest Dowson, Villanelle of Sunset, lines 16-17

     Tired flower! upon my breast,

     I would wear thee alway

2. (archaic) Every time, at every opportunity, always.