actual | ||
1. | [ adjective ] presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible | |
Synonyms: | existent | |
Examples: | "the predicted temperature and the actual temperature were markedly different" "actual and imagined conditions" |
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Related terms: | potential very effective actualised actualized actuality | |
2. | [ adjective ] taking place in reality; not pretended or imitated | |
Examples: | "we saw the actual wedding on television" "filmed the actual beating" |
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Related terms: | real | |
3. | [ adjective ] being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something | |
Synonyms: | literal genuine real | |
Examples: | "her actual motive" "a literal solitude like a desert"- G.K.Chesterton "a genuine dilemma" |
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Related terms: | true | |
4. | [ adjective ] of the nature of fact; having actual existence | |
Synonyms: | factual | |
Examples: | "rocks and trees...the actual world" "actual heroism" "the actual things that produced the emotion you experienced" |
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Related terms: | real | |
5. | [ adjective ] (law) existing in fact whether with lawful authority or not | |
Synonyms: | factual de_facto | |
Examples: | "de facto segregation is as real as segration imposed by law" "a de facto state of war" |
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Related terms: | de_jure | |
6. | [ adjective ] being or existing at the present moment | |
Examples: | "the ship's actual position is 22 miles due south of Key West" |
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Related terms: | current | |
Similar spelling: |
actually acetal actualize actuality actualise acaudal acetyl acetaldol acquittal acutely acetylic acetylize acetylise acetylene acetylate |