actual
AK-shoo-uhl
Actual (adj) means existing in reality; real, not just imagined or planned. Example: “Nobody has seen the actual document, only copies of it.”
adj
1
Existing in reality; real, not just imagined or planned.
"The actual government expenses dramatically exceed the budget."
"Nobody has seen the actual document, only copies of it."
"The film is based on an actual event that happened in a small village."
"They also exposed the blatant discrepancy between the west's professed values and actual foreign policies."
— Gary Younge, Hypocrisy lies at heart of Manning prosecution (2013)
"The actual cost was much higher than the estimate."
"the actual cost of goods; the actual case under discussion"
2
Used to emphasize the specific thing being referred to.
"He didn't just talk about the sea; he sailed on the actual ship."
"Never mind the photos, I want to see the actual painting."
"I want to speak to the actual manager, not an assistant."
How to use actual
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishReal or genuine, as opposed to estimated, planned, or imaginary.
Common mistake
Beware the false friend in French/Spanish "actuel/actual," which means "current," not "real" — a common translation error.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
actual cost
actual number
in actual fact
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Word forms
- Plural
- actuals
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Nobody has seen the _____ document, only copies of it.
Etymology
From Old French actuel, from Late Latin actualis ("active, practical"), from Latin actus ("act, action"), from agere ("to do, to act").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for actual
See all rhymes for actual →Frequently asked questions
What does “actual” mean?
The word “actual” means existing in reality; real, not just imagined or planned. In plain terms, real or genuine, as opposed to estimated, planned, or imaginary.
How do you pronounce “actual”?
“Actual” is pronounced AK-shoo-uhl (/ˈækʃuəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “actual” in a sentence?
Here is “actual” used in a sentence: “The actual cost was much higher than the estimate.”
What is another word for “actual”?
Words with a similar meaning to “actual” include positive.
What part of speech is “actual”?
“Actual” is an adjective.
Where does the word “actual” come from?
The word “actual” comes from Late Latin. From Old French actuel, from Late Latin actualis ("active, practical"), from Latin actus ("act, action"), from agere ("to do, to act").
Is “actual” a common word?
“Actual” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “actual” have?
“Actual” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: existing in reality; real, not just imagined or planned.
What is the difference between actual and real?
The words are close synonyms and often interchangeable. 'Real' contrasts with fake or imaginary — something that exists at all. 'Actual' contrasts with supposed, planned, or expected, stressing what is truly the case. You might compare the actual cost with the estimate, both of which are real numbers.
What is the opposite of actual?
Opposites include imaginary, hypothetical, theoretical, and potential — all describing something that does not truly exist or has not happened yet. 'Actual' insists on reality, so its antonyms cover things that are merely supposed, planned, or possible rather than genuinely real and present.
What is the difference between actual and theoretical?
Theoretical describes what should happen in principle, based on ideas or calculation. Actual describes what really happens in practice. A machine might have a theoretical top speed, but its actual speed on the road is lower once friction and real conditions come into play.
Does 'actual' mean the same as 'current'?
No — this is a common mix-up, especially for speakers of languages where a similar word means 'current.' In English, 'actual' means real or existing in fact, not present-day. To describe something happening now, use 'current' or 'present' instead. 'Actual' is about reality, not timing.
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