actual
Definitions
Existing in reality; real and confirmed, as opposed to what is assumed, planned, or imagined.
实际的，真实的；真正存在并确证的，与假设、计划或想象相对。
Root Breakdown
Native Englishact (do) + -ual (relating to) = 'relating to what is actually done.' What has actually been done — not merely planned or supposed — is what is real. So actual points to the concrete fact on the ground: the actual cost, the actual situation, as opposed to the estimate or the theory.
Root act still carries 59 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.actual cost实际成本
- 2.actual situation实际情况
- 3.actual figures实际数据
- 4.in actual fact事实上
Example Sentences
- 1.
The actual cost was much higher than the estimate.
- 2.
Tell me what actually happened, not what you assumed.
- 3.
In the actual game, the players performed far better.
Easily Confused
actual vs current — This is a classic false friend for Chinese learners. actual means real / true (实际的, 真实的); it does NOT mean 'present-day.' The word for 'present, now' is current or present. So 'the actual situation' = the real situation, not 'the situation right now.' (Note: in Spanish/French, actual/actuel really does mean 'current' — but the English actual never does.)