Definition

Adjective 1. Existing in fact or reality; real. This is the most common meaning, used to describe something that is true, genuine, or has happened, as opposed to being theoretical, imagined, or supposed. 2. Existing or occurring at the present time; current. This meaning emphasizes something as it is now, in the present moment.

Examples of Usage

• As an adjective meaning "real" or "existing in fact":
  • The actual cost was much higher than the estimate.
  • We need to deal with the actual problem, not the symptoms.
  • The story is based on actual events.
• As an adjective meaning "current" or "present":
  • What is the company's actual financial position?
  • The actual temperature is 5 degrees lower than forecasted.

Advanced Usage

• In legal or formal contexts: "Actual" is often used to stress factual reality in contrast to legal presumption or alleged states.
  • The court must determine the actual owner of the property.
• For emphasis: It can be used to correct a misconception or highlight a surprising truth.
  • "I thought he was the manager." "No, his actual title is Senior Advisor."

Variants and Related Words

• Actually (adverb): Used to indicate truth or reality, or to introduce a surprising or contrasting fact.
  • I wasn't actually there when it happened.
  • It looks difficult, but it's actually quite easy.
• Actuality (noun): The state of existing in reality; a real fact or condition.
  • The plan sounded good in theory, but in actuality, it failed.

Synonyms

• Real: Truly existing or happening.
• Genuine: Authentic and not fake.
• True: In accordance with fact or reality.
• Factual: Concerned with what is actually the case.
• Current: Belonging to the present time.

Antonyms

• Theoretical: Based on theory rather than practice or fact.
• Supposed: Generally assumed or believed to be the case, but not necessarily so.
• Potential: Having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future.
• Imagined: Formed or conceived in the mind.
• Fictional: Invented as part of a work of fiction.

Related Phrases

• In actual fact: Used to emphasize that a statement is true, especially when it contradicts what has been said or believed.
  • He claimed to be an expert, but in actual fact, he had very little experience.

Adjective

1. being or existing at the present moment
   • the ship's actual position is 22 miles due south of Key West
2. existing in act or fact
   • rocks and trees...the actual world
   • actual heroism
   • the actual things that produced the emotion you experienced
3. being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something
   • her actual motive
   • a literal solitude like a desert- G.K.Chesterton
   • a genuine dilemma
4. taking place in reality; not pretended or imitated
   • we saw the actual wedding on television
   • filmed the actual beating
5. presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
   • the predicted temperature and the actual temperature were markedly different
   • actual and imagined conditions