actual — existing in fact; real; not imaginary or supposed
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: existing in fact; real; not imaginary or supposed
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈæktʃuəl/
Example Sentences
- My actual age is a secret, but I look 25!
- The actual pizza was much smaller than in the advertisement.
- What's the actual reason you're late every morning?
actual
ADJECTIVE[/ˈæktʃuəl/]
existing in fact; real; not imaginary or supposed
The actual painting looks nothing like the tiny photo online.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Late Latin actualis (actual, real), which evolved from the Latin root agere meaning 'to do' or 'to act'. The semantic development reflects a shift from the abstract concept of action to the concrete notion of something brought into being or made real through action.
Breakdown
agere (to act, to do) + -alis (suffix forming adjectives) → actualis (actual, real). The -alis suffix transforms the verbal root into an adjective denoting the quality or state of being acted upon or existing in fact.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My actual age is a secret, but I look 25!”
“The actual pizza was much smaller than in the advertisement.”
“What's the actual reason you're late every morning?”
“The actual meeting was more boring than watching paint dry.”
📚Related Words
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