actual

[ak-choo-uhl]

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• actualness noun
• nonactual adjective
• nonactualness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of actual¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of actual¹

C14: actuel existing, from Late Latin āctuālis relating to acts, practical, from Latin āctus _act

Synonym Study

See real ¹.

Example Sentences

"It would be extremely challenging if not impossible to separate the components from the actual product assembly," he says.

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Oxford added that actual or unadjusted jobless claims fell slightly in the seven days ended Sept. 27, totaling around 180,000.

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The actual rate is likely far higher, as crews don’t always report incidents to their airlines, which likewise don’t report all instances to the FAA.

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Super spikes, however, have an actual sole—the thickness of a deck of cards made out of high-tech, energy-returning foam—plus a springy carbon-fiber plate.

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“I think my general view is that they are failing to balance perceived criticism on the internet from a very loud minority as opposed to the actual reality.”

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Related Words

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