actual

UK: ˈæk.tʃu.əl | US: ˈæk.tʃu.əl

Definition

  1. adj. existing in fact; real

  2. adj. current or present (e.g., "actual conditions")

  3. adj. (archaic) active, practical (e.g., "actual work")

Structure
act <do, from Latin *agere*>ual <adjective suffix, from Latin *-alis*>
Etymology

Derived from Latin actualis ("active, practical"), which stems from actus (past participle of agere, meaning "to do, drive"). The word originally emphasized action or practicality (e.g., "actual work" in Middle English) but shifted to mean "real" or "existing" by the 14th century. The suffix -ual (via Old French -el) generalizes the root into an adjective.

Examples

  1. The actual cost was higher than the estimate.

  2. She described her actual experience during the event.

  3. The document reflects the actual conditions of the agreement.

  4. His actual role in the project remains unclear.

  5. (Archaic) "Actual labor" was valued over theoretical knowledge.