actual Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
    existent.
    • the predicted temperature and the actual temperature were markedly different
    • actual and imagined conditions
  2. adjective satellite taking place in reality; not pretended or imitated
    • we saw the actual wedding on television
    • filmed the actual beating
  3. adjective satellite being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something
    real; genuine; literal.
    • her actual motive
    • a literal solitude like a desert"- G.K.Chesterton
    • a genuine dilemma
  4. adjective satellite existing in act or fact
    factual.
    • rocks and trees...the actual world
    • actual heroism
    • the actual things that produced the emotion you experienced
  5. adjective satellite being or existing at the present moment
    • the ship's actual position is 22 miles due south of Key West

WordNet

Ac"tu*al adjective
Etymology
OE. actuel, F. actuel, L. actualis, fr. agere to do, act.
Definitions
  1. Involving or comprising action; active. Obs.
    Her walking and other actual performances. Shak.
    Let your holy and pious intention be actual; that is . . . by a special prayer or action, . . . given to God. Jer. Taylor.
  2. Existing in act or reality; really acted or acting; in fact; real; -- opposed to potential, possible, virtual, speculative, coceivable, theoretical, or nominal; as, the actual cost of goods; the actual case under discussion.
  3. In action at the time being; now exiting; present; as the actual situation of the country. Syn. -- Real; genuine; positive; certain. See Real.
Ac"tu*al noun
Definitions
  1. (Finance) Something actually received; real, as distinct from estimated, receipts. Cant
    The accounts of revenues supplied . . . were not real receipts: not, in financial language, "actuals," but only Egyptian budget estimates. Fortnightly Review.

Webster 1913