actual meaning and definition

ACTUAL adjective

Definition of actual (adjective)

1. presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
   • "the predicted temperature and the actual temperature were markedly different"; "actual and imagined conditions"
   • synonyms: existent
   • antonym: possible
2. taking place in reality; not pretended or imitated
   • "we saw the actual wedding on television"; "filmed the actual beating"
3. being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something
   • "her actual motive"; "a literal solitude like a desert"- G.K.Chesterton; "a genuine dilemma"
   • synonyms: genuine, literal, real
4. existing in act or fact
   • "rocks and trees...the actual world"; "actual heroism"; "the actual things that produced the emotion you experienced"
   • synonyms: factual
5. being or existing at the present moment
   • "the ship's actual position is 22 miles due south of Key West"