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

South Korea is well known for fossilized dinosaur tracks, nests, and eggs, but actual dinosaur bones are relatively rare.

From Science Daily

According to a new study by Northwestern Mutual, Americans’ heightened expectations for how much they’ll need for retirement come as actual retirement savings remain a fraction of that goal for many.

From MarketWatch

What’s most concerning is the use of actual residents’ identities — without their knowledge or consent — to oppose life-saving clean air standards.

From Los Angeles Times

“Maybe I was absorbing too much as actual lessons on how to live my life and how to interact with regular society.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Behind those stock prices on a screen, though, are actual businesses pondering their own investment decisions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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