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

Chi added that real-time ridership data could also guide policy, allowing cities to optimize the placement of new public transit hubs based on actual demand.

From MarketWatch

In some cases, companies’ commitments may not equate to actual spending.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the report’s conclusion — that telephone customer service is improving — addresses only part of the issue, and the actual findings within the report show the larger picture, Warren said in a statement Monday.

From MarketWatch

“But we also want to draw from the suburbs and the rural areas and do the stuff that gets actual country folk into the city.”

From The Wall Street Journal

It truly felt like I was stepping onto an actual film set from one of the “Squid Game” challenges.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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