Actual Definition

ăkcho͝o-əl
adjective
Existing in reality and not potential, possible, simulated, or false.
The actual damages were less than first reported. In the actual test, the mechanism did not work as the computer model predicted.
American Heritage
Existing in reality or in fact; not merely possible, but real; as it really is.
The actual cost of the dam.
Webster's New World
Based on fact.
The actual history of the voyage is different from the popular accounts.
American Heritage
Existing at present or at the time.
Webster's New World
Conforming to the characteristics of a group or type; typical.
Is he an actual doctor or a fake?
American Heritage
noun

An actual, real one; notably:

"Bravo Six Actual, Snakebite leader" (The person with the callsign "Snakebite leader" requests to speak to the commander of company Bravo and not the radio operator.)
Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Actual

Noun

Singular:
actual
Plural:
actuals

Origin of Actual

  • Middle English actual, actuel (“active”), from Old French actuel, actual, from Late Latin actualis (“active, practical”), from Latin actus (“act, action, performance”), from agere (“to do; to act”) + -alis (“-al”).

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English from Old French active from Late Latin āctuālis from Latin āctus past participle of agere to drive, do ag- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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