actuality
n.the state of being real or existing in fact. You use it when you want to contrast what is actually happening with what people imagine or plan.
n.the state of existing in reality or fact as opposed to possibility or theory.
“In actuality, the plan was much harder to finish than we expected.”
“The marketing campaign promised a luxury experience, but the actuality of the resort was quite disappointing for the guests.”
“Philosophers often distinguish between potentiality and actuality, arguing that an object's true nature is only revealed when its latent possibilities are fully realized in the physical world.”
Often used in the prepositional phrase 'in actuality' to introduce a contrast with a previous statement.
From actual + -ity. * (television): Influenced by French actualité.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.