actual
adj. · n.-
1 real or existing (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatereal and existing in fact, not just an idea or a possibility.
existing in fact or reality; distinguished from what is merely possible, planned, or intended.
ExampleThe actual cost of the car was much higher than the price on the sticker.
ExampleWhile the initial proposal seemed affordable, the actual expenses incurred during the first quarter exceeded the budget by twenty percent.
UsageAlways placed before the noun it modifies.
PitfallI am actual living in London.I am actually living in London.Use the adverb 'actually' to modify a verb. 'Actual' is an adjective and must modify a noun.
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2 emphasis (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediateused to emphasize that you are talking about the exact or real thing.
used as an intensifier to emphasize the precision or identity of the following noun.
ExampleI was surprised to meet the actual author of the book at the party.
ExampleIt wasn't just a similar model; it was the actual car used in the original film production.
UsageUsed for emphasis; non-gradable.
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3 real figures (n.) C1 Advanced Technical Financethe real amounts or facts, especially in business, compared to what was expected.
real-world data or results, typically contrasted with estimates, projections, or budget targets.
ExampleThe manager compared the monthly actuals against the yearly budget.
ExampleThe quarterly report highlights a significant variance between our forecasted revenue and the actuals reported by the regional branches.
UsageUsually used in the plural ('actuals') in financial reporting.
From Middle English actual, actuel (“active”), from Anglo-Norman actuel, actual, and its source Late Latin actuālis (“active, practical”), from Latin actus (“act, action, performance”), from agere (“to do; to act”) + -alis (“-al”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European h₂éǵeti, from the root h₂eǵ-. By surface analysis, act + -u- + -al.