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 Words From

• actu·al·ness noun
• non·actu·al adjective
• non·actu·al·ness 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

While there's a lot of anticipation around what the impact of tariffs will be, some experts think the actual implementation of tariffs will be narrower than the broad-based ones Trump suggested on the campaign trail.

From Salon

The actual deal breaker, though, may be his sordid personal life.

From Salon

She used the arrangements to line the aisle during the actual wedding and then decorate the table during the reception dinner that night.

From Los Angeles Times

Adding to the documentary-style realism, the film weaves in actual footage from the ABC broadcast that day, to which Mason helped secure the rights shortly before filming began.

From Los Angeles Times

"I need actual depth... I'm a slow, slow burner," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• certain
• existing
• for-real
• physical
• real
• substantial
• substantive