actual
Americanadjective
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existing in reality or as a matter of fact
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real or genuine
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existing at the present time; current
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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
Synonym Usage
See real 1.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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:
Explanation
If you describe something as actual, it really exists or is true. You might excitedly tell your friends that you saw an actual bald eagle land on your mailbox. Use the adjective actual when you want to emphasize that something is certain or confirmed, especially when it's different from what you expected. For example, you might say, "The actual length of my cousin's visit was three weeks, even though she said she'd stay three days." The Old French root is actuel, "now existing," from the Latin word actus, "a doing, driving, or impulse."
Vocabulary lists containing actual
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But Wall Street has become desensitized to the actual or attempted regulation of tech platforms, which have only continued to grow.
From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026
“The actual usage provided by the Max 5x and Max 20x plans is far below the advertised amount of usage,” it says.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026
So here’s my actual question: Should I consult with a CPA or tax attorney in our state, Georgia, or does it matter?
From MarketWatch • Jun. 15, 2026
The fights were still good, even if White’s matchups started prioritizing personality conflicts over actual talent, and the theatrics had a trashy sort of appeal I could get behind.
From Slate • Jun. 14, 2026
“Let’s chalk today up to rookie error. Tomorrow morning you’ll be at work at ten and you’ll stay until six, unless one of the staff —the actual adult staff—tells you otherwise.”
From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
