Meaning & Definition of Actual in English

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"

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"

4. Existing in act or fact

• "Rocks and trees...the actual world"

• "Actual heroism"

• "The actual things that produced the emotion you experienced"

5. Being or existing at the present moment

• "The ship's actual position is 22 miles due south of key west"