actual

American  

[ak-choo-uhl] / ˈæk tʃu əl /

adjective

1. existing in act or fact; real.

   an actual case of heroism; actual expenses.

   Synonyms:

   veritable, authentic, genuine

   Antonyms:

   fictional, unreal

2. existing now; present; current.

   The ship's actual position is 22 miles due east of Miami.

3. Obsolete. pertaining to or involving acts or action.

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actual British  

/ ˈæktʃʊəl /

adjective

1. existing in reality or as a matter of fact

2. real or genuine

3. existing at the present time; current

4. informal (usually preceded by your) (intensifier)

   that music's by your actual Mozart, isn't it?

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Usage

The excessive use of actual and actually should be avoided. They are unnecessary in sentences such as in actual fact, he is forty-two, and he did actually go to the play but did not enjoy it

Related Words

See real ¹.

Other Word Forms

• actualness noun
• nonactual adjective
• nonactualness noun

Etymology

Origin of actual

First recorded in 1275–1325; from Late Latin āctuālis, from Latin āctu(s) act + -ālis -al ¹; replacing Middle English actuel, from Middle French, from Latin

Compare meaning

How does actual compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• actual vs. theoretical

Example Sentences

It is not a replacement for professional help, of course, or participating in actual community building wherever you live and to whatever extent suits you.

From Salon

Yet some analysts say the selling was indiscriminate, based more on fear of the unknown than an actual and serious threat.

From MarketWatch

By launching ETFs and complex derivatives, Wall Street has enabled investors to bet on the price of bitcoin without needing to buy or hold the actual coins, some analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Send Help” is an actual horror show where a downtrodden employee gains flesh-and-blood power over her cruel boss when the two are stranded on a deserted island.

From The Wall Street Journal

In fact, the clothing had been featured in an actual Milan fashion show 48 hours before the Opening Ceremony.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• certain
• existing
• physical
• real
• substantial
• substantive