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View synonyms for

actual

[ ak-choo-uhl ]

adjective

  1. existing in act or fact; real:

    an actual case of heroism; actual expenses.

    Synonyms: , ,

    Antonyms: ,

  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

/ ˈæʃʊə /

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?

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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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
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Other Word Forms

  • t··Ա noun
  • ԴDz·t· adjective
  • non·t··Ա noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of actual1

First recorded in 1275–1325; from Late Latin 峦ٳ, from Latin 峦ٳ() act + - -al 1; replacing Middle English actuel, from Middle French, from Latin
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Word History and Origins

Origin of actual1

C14: actuel existing, from Late Latin 峦ٳ relating to acts, practical, from Latin 峦ٳܲ act
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Compare Meanings

How does actual compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Synonym Study

See real 1.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Acharya can’t be entirely sure, but there’s no evidence an actual human being, much less any sort of expert on vaccines or shingles, reviewed her grant proposal or assessed her work.

From

However the defence, in opening their case, reminded the jury they had not heard any actual evidence yet and needed to keep an open mind.

From

Forget that five and seven are different numbers or that for the Lakers to play an actual Game 7 in this first-round playoff series against Minnesota, they need to win two more times.

From

Bending metal — the actual process of making rovers and spaceships and telescopes — drives economic activity.

From

It's the flipside to the loathing for actual art that has been a steady source of right-wing culture war antics.

From

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ACTUactual bodily harm