Actual Definition

ăkcho͝o-əl

adjective

Existing in reality and not potential, possible, simulated, or false.

The actual damages were less than first reported. In the actual test, the mechanism did not work as the computer model predicted.

American Heritage

Existing in reality or in fact; not merely possible, but real; as it really is.

The actual cost of the dam.

Webster's New World

Based on fact.

The actual history of the voyage is different from the popular accounts.

American Heritage

Existing at present or at the time.

Webster's New World

Conforming to the characteristics of a group or type; typical.

Is he an actual doctor or a fake?

American Heritage

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

noun

An actual, real one; notably:

"Bravo Six Actual, Snakebite leader" (The person with the callsign "Snakebite leader" requests to speak to the commander of company Bravo and not the radio operator.)

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Actual

Noun

Singular:

actual

Plural:

actuals

Origin of Actual

Middle English actual, actuel (“active”), from Old French actuel, actual, from Late Latin actualis (“active, practical”), from Latin actus (“act, action, performance”), from agere (“to do; to act”) + -alis (“-al”).

From Wiktionary
Middle English from Old French active from Late Latin āctuālis from Latin āctus past participle of agere to drive, do ag- in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition