actual

adjective ac·tu·al \ˈak-ch(ə-w)əl, -sh(ə-w)əl; -chü-əl, -shü-\

: real and not merely possible or imagined : existing in fact

: known to be correct or precise : not false or apparent

—used for emphasis

Full Definition of ACTUAL

obsolete : active

a : existing in act and not merely potentially

b : existing in fact or reality <actual and imagined conditions>

c : not false or apparent <actual costs>

: existing or occurring at the time <caught in the actual commission of a crime>

See actual defined for English-language learners

See actual defined for kids

Middle English actuel, from Late Latin actualis, from Latin actus act

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonyms: concrete, de facto, effective, existent, factual, genuine, real, sure-enough, true, very

Antonyms: conjectural, hypothetical, ideal, inexistent, nonexistent, platonic, possible, potential, suppositional, theoretical (also theoretic)

ACTUAL Defined for Kids

adjective ac·tu·al \ˈak-chə-wəl\

: really existing or happening : not false <The movie is based on actual events.>

Next Word in the Dictionary: actual cash valuePrevious Word in the Dictionary: Acts of the ApostlesAll Words Near: actual

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