actual
English meaning: Actual
Definition
An actual, real one; notably:
Example
“The estimate was high, but the actual cost was much lower.”
Another example: “The film is based on actual events that happened in the 1940s.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Most commonly an adjective ('the actual cost', 'in actual fact') meaning existing in reality as opposed to imagined or estimated; neutral and very common. Learners should note it does NOT mean 'current'—a frequent false-friend error from several European languages.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Late Latin 'actualis' (active, practical), from Latin 'actus' (a doing, act), via Old French 'actuel', entering English in the 14th century.
Synonyms
Antonyms / Opposites
- theoretical
- hypothetical
- imaginary
- potential
Related Words
Common Collocations
- actual cost
- in actual fact
- actual size
- the actual amount
- actual events
- actual figures
Word Forms
actual (adj); actually (adv); actuality (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B