actual

Real or true, rather than imagined, possible, or expected.

• The actual cost was much lower.
• What is your actual name?
• These figures show actual sales rather than estimates.

Similar words: real, true

Opposites: imaginary

Common phrases: actual cost, actual name, actual results

Used to stress that you mean the exact person or thing being discussed.

• I met the actual author yesterday.
• This is the actual chair she used.
• We stood on the actual spot where they first met.

Similar words: very, exact

Common phrases: the actual person, the actual spot, the actual moment

Existing or happening at the present time.

• The report describes the actual state of affairs.
• The actual circumstances require a different approach.
• They discussed the country’s actual needs at that time.

Similar words: current, present

Opposites: past

Common phrases: actual circumstances, actual state, actual conditions

In military radio names, a word showing that the speaker or listener is the unit’s commander.

• Alpha actual is requesting an update.
• This is Eagle actual; hold your position.
• The radio operator put the caller through to Falcon actual.

Common phrases: Bravo actual, Alpha actual