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.

---

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?

---

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

But I do have to say that being among the Palace fans at Wembley was honestly the closest thing I've seen to an actual religious experience.

From BBC

Critics say this is far below the actual requirement and that the market price is out of reach for most people.

From Barron's

Just buying a water filter can help to reduce exposure, she said - whether that is a jug with a filter in it, or a filter installed into the actual sink.

From BBC

Although wolves and dogs still share territory and are capable of producing fertile offspring, actual hybridization between them is unusual.

From Science Daily

Police declined to confirm the arrest, saying only that they "will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law".

From Barron's

Related Words

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