actual

actual — adjective

1. true and based on real events, facts, or numbers — used when contrasting what re

1.形容詞B2
釋義

true and based on real events, facts, or numbers — used when contrasting what really happened or exists with what people believe, plan, guess, or pretend.

例句

The actual cost of the wedding was almost double what Mateo and Hana had planned.

contrast between real and expected: actual + noun

Reporters wanted to know the actual number of people living in the flooded village.

actual + noun emphasising real figure

同義詞
  • real

    everyday near-synonym; works in most of the same slots

  • true

    stresses correctness against a claim, not existence as a fact

  • genuine

    stresses authenticity, often of objects or feelings

反義詞

文法句型

actual + noun

用法筆記

Almost always sits directly before a noun (the actual cost, her actual age). Distinguish from sense 2: here it answers "what is the real value or fact?"; in sense 2 it answers "which exact thing or person?".

常見錯誤

❌I will tell you the actual news.
✅I will tell you the latest news.
💡'actual' does not mean 'current' or 'recent'; use 'current', 'present', or 'latest' for time.

2. used before a noun to point to the very thing, person, or moment you are talking

2.形容詞B2
釋義

used before a noun to point to the very thing, person, or moment you are talking about, rather than something around it, leading up to it, or related to it — for example, the speech itself instead of the introduction, or the wedding day instead of the rehearsal.

例句

The introduction was long, but the actual speech only lasted ten minutes.

contrasting the core thing with what surrounds it

We toured the kitchen, but never saw the actual room where the chef cooks.

the + actual + noun pinpointing the specific item

同義詞
  • exact

    highlights precision; often pairs with words like spot, time, words

  • very

    as adjective: 'the very moment'; stronger emphasis than 'actual'

  • specific

    points to one item out of many, less about main vs surrounding

文法句型

the + actual + noun

用法筆記

Always before a noun, almost always preceded by "the". Distinguish from sense 1: this sense doesn't contrast "real vs fake" but "the main/central thing vs its surroundings, build-up, or copy".

常見錯誤

❌The actual of the meeting was short.
✅The actual meeting was short.
💡'actual' is an adjective, not a noun; it must come before the noun it describes.