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

"What you will see in New York might be the actual last attempt at implementing the two-state solution," he warned.

From BBC

But policymakers and the public need reliable evidence and actual data to understand the reality of politically motivated violence.

From Salon

In the letter, Logan said the funds “no longer reflect the actual costs to perform these services and do not take into account inflationary factors or mandated minimum wage increases.”

From Los Angeles Times

This year, the newly hired team staff dropped hints about the actual name, about the buzz in town.

From Los Angeles Times

The FTC also alleges that the ticket company is misleading artists and consumers with “bait-and-switch pricing,” with tactics such as advertising lower ticket prices than the actual total after inflated pricing and extra fees.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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