actual
Translation
actual, real, existing
Examples
The actual cost was higher than we expected.
The actual cost was higher than we expected.
What were his actual words?
What were his actual words?
Grammar Patterns
((+ noun)) used to emphasize something as real or existing. The actual number of people was surprising.
Similar Words
Synonyms: real, true, genuine; Antonyms: potential, supposed, theoretical
Etymology
From Latin 'actualis', from 'actus' (an act, a doing). Related to 'act'.
Memory Tips
'Actual' refers to what is real or what 'actually' happened, not what was planned or imagined.