actual
Americanadjective
-
existing in reality or as a matter of fact
-
real or genuine
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existing at the present time; current
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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
Synonym Usage
See real 1.
Other Word Forms
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:
Explanation
If you describe something as actual, it really exists or is true. You might excitedly tell your friends that you saw an actual bald eagle land on your mailbox. Use the adjective actual when you want to emphasize that something is certain or confirmed, especially when it's different from what you expected. For example, you might say, "The actual length of my cousin's visit was three weeks, even though she said she'd stay three days." The Old French root is actuel, "now existing," from the Latin word actus, "a doing, driving, or impulse."
Vocabulary lists containing actual
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Protection is only granted if there is an actual, well-founded fear of persecution," Germany's migration and asylum agency, BAMF, told the BBC.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026
Crawzilla is the creature's actual common name, and Bloomer was convinced she had captured the largest crayfish ever documented.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026
Under a cap, the owners have promised a transition period to account for existing commitments, and an actual negotiated cap could be higher.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
We can be fairly certain that any cooperation between the museum and the film production came with the understanding that no actual security mechanisms would even be hinted at.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026
“You know I’d do almost anything to avoid doing my actual work?”
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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