actual

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
  2. adjective taking place in reality; not pretended or imitated
  3. adjective being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something; ; - G.K.Chesterton

Etymology

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

existent

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