actual /ˈæktʃuəl, ˈæktjuəl/ adj.实际的,真实的:the actual figures实际的数字 What he told us was not a dream but an actual happening. 他给我们讲的不是梦,而是一件真实的事。


actually adv.实际上(=in fact): He looks honest, but actually he is a thief. 他看起来诚实,但实际上是个小偷。


[辨析]actually常指存在的事实,如:Actually you owe me more than this. 实际上,你欠我的不止这点钱。而virtually通常指近于一个事实,或实质上是而名义上却非如此,如:The dinner is virtually ready. 饭菜差不多准备好了。


actuality /ˌæktʃu:ˈæliti/ n.(常用pl.)现状;实际情况:the actualities of life生活现实A trip to the moon is now an actuality.登月旅行现已成为事实。This “big company” in actuality is only a small shop.这家大公司实际上只是一个小店。