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

Ronald Reagan was an actual movie star, but he knew what he believed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Then there’s the pathological terror of holding an actual opinion.

From The Wall Street Journal

This is the seeming inconsistency between someone's stated high level of concern for their data privacy and their actual behaviour online.

From BBC

Though packing storytelling into a fast-moving outdoor ride is always a theme park challenge, Universal is doing what it can to make guests feel as if they’re sitting in actual tiny, authentic cars.

From Los Angeles Times

So yeah – actual fake newscasts are perfect stages for parody, as are fake reality shows, fake sitcoms and fake dramas.

From Salon

Related Words

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