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

"The government are really clear that they've invested more in special educational needs year on year, but it doesn't reflect the actual costs per pupil funding, so that gap has grown," he said.

Read more on BBC

The report found that a "fragmented" regulatory system has resulted in a lack of industry-wide safety oversight, which has led to "conservative and costly decisions not proportionate to the actual risk being managed".

Read more on BBC

Or go totally crazy and face an actual human sitting across from you.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Silicon Valley’s startup model encourages “a fake it until you make it” strategy: Pretend to be successful to attract the coders, venture capitalists and customers that bring actual success.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

While bunking with family doesn’t have an actual price tag, it usually has an emotional one.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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