actual
presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
How often you will meet it
Rank 2,935 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 5,595 times across 155,370 chapters — 0.003% of every word in the library.
What it means
adjective
- presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible also: existent the predicted temperature and the actual temperature were markedly differentactual and imagined conditions
- taking place in reality; not pretended or imitated we saw the actual wedding on televisionfilmed the actual beating
- being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something also: genuine, literal, real her actual motivea literal solitude like a desert
- existing in act or fact also: factual rocks and trees...the actual worldactual heroism
- being or existing at the present moment the ship's actual position is 22 miles due south of Key West
actual in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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You give us what you know and testify from actual knowledge.
The Red Record Tabulated Statistics · Ida B. Wells-Barnett · Chapter 1
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I think he had expected me to jib at the prospect of actual work.
The Little Nugget · P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse · Chapter 1
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As to the actual history of that war, it may be said that nothing is known.
The Odyssey of Homer · 751? BCE-651? BCE Homer · Chapter 1
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It will sometimes happen to him to get invited--really invited--to an actual country house where genuine sport is carried on.
Punch — Volume 99, August 16, 1890 · Various · Chapter 1
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Mrs. Dainty had postponed the actual "good-by" until a week after Dorothy and Nancy should have begun the school year at Glenmore.
Dorothy Dainty at Glenmore · Amy Brooks · Chapter 1