actual
/ˈæk.tʃu.əl/
adjective
- Real or true; existing in fact, not just imagined or possible.
- The actual cost of the trip was much higher than we expected.
- The movie is based on actual events that happened in 1945.
- We need to focus on the actual problem, not the symptoms.
- Used to emphasize the most important or exact thing, often contrasting with what is thought or claimed.
- She didn't just pretend to help; she did the actual work.
- The actual reason for his absence was illness, not laziness.
- I want to see the actual document, not a copy.
adverb
- Used to emphasize that something is true or real, often to correct a misunderstanding or add surprising information.
- Actually, the meeting is tomorrow, not today.
- I thought he was joking, but he actually meant it.
- She actually finished the marathon in under four hours.