Actual
/ˈæktʃuəl/
adjectiveBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
Existing in fact; really happening or being.
/ˈæktʃuəl/
adjectiveneutralBeginner
General
Existing in reality; real.
The actual figures are much lower than the estimates.
💡 Simply: Real or true.
More Examples
2
What's the actual time?
How It's Used
General
"The actual cost was higher than we anticipated."
Law
"The actual damages were assessed by the court."
From Middle English *actuel, from Old French actuel, from Latin actuālis, from actus "action, deed".
The word 'actual' has been used in English since the 15th century, maintaining a consistent meaning.