Actual
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈækʃuəl/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Actual is an adjective meaning Existing in reality, not just potentially; really acted or acting; occurring in fact.
Meaning
Existing in reality, not just potentially; really acted or acting; occurring in fact.
More Meanings
- (now rare or non-native speakers' English) in action at the time being; now existing; current.
- Used as intensifier to emphasise a following noun; exact, specific, very.
- an actual, real one; notably:
- (uncountable) Reality, usually with the definite article.
- (chiefly theology) relating to a person's acts or deeds; active, practical
Example Sentences
the actual cost of goods; the actual case under discussion
The actual government expenses dramatically exceed the budget.
Let your holy and pious intention be actual; that is […] by a special prayer or action, […] given to God.
They also exposed the blatant discrepancy between the west's professed values and actual foreign policies.
Word Forms
- actuals
Synonyms for actual
Depending on context, synonyms include positive, real, effective, present, true, genuine.
Antonyms for actual
Common opposites include potential, possible, virtual, speculative, conceivable, theoretical.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include actualized, factual, existent, true, effective, literal.
Related Dictionary Tools
Practice “actual” in a Crossword
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Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.