Actual is an adjective meaning ‘true’, ‘real’ and ‘the thing in itself’. It does not refer to time. Actual always comes immediately before the noun it is describing: … Actually is often used in speaking as a discourse marker. We use it to indicate a new topic of conversation or a change or contrast in what is being talked about.
There are 13 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word actual, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
Definition of actual adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
actual is an adjective, actuality is a noun, actually is an adverb, actualize is a verb: The actual facts are these. In actuality, the quarter didn't disappear; it was in the magician's hand.
If you describe something as actual, it really exists or is true. You might excitedly tell your friends that you saw an actual bald eagle land on your mailbox.
