eigentlich
Translation
actual, real, proper
Examples
Wir suchen den eigentlichen Grund.
We are looking for the real reason.
Er sprach mit den eigentlichen Besitzern.
He spoke with the actual owners.
Grammar Patterns
((attributive)) + Noun (the) actual ... We are looking for the actual reason.
Similar Words
Synonyms: wirklich, tatsächlich; Antonyms: scheinbar, angeblich
Etymology
From 'eigen' (own) + '-lich' (adjective suffix). It originally meant 'belonging to oneself'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'eigen' as 'own'. The 'eigentliche' problem is the 'own' problem, the one that truly belongs to the situation.