actuality

noun

ac·​tu·​al·​i·​ty ˌak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

ˌak-shə-

plural actualities

1

: the quality or state of being actual

2

: something that is actual : fact, reality

possible risks which have been seized upon as actualities

—T. S. Eliot

Phrases

in actuality

: in actual fact

Synonyms

• corporality
• corporeality
• existence
• reality
• subsistence
• thingness

Examples of actuality in a Sentence

The actuality was quite different from the theory.

the actuality of the Abominable Snowman is not taken seriously by scientists

Recent Examples on the Web

He is elected but not yet in office, so his rating is based on anticipation, not on the actuality of his performance. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

Luckily for the hypothetical Dame Brian, who is on this hypothetical island after he, in actuality, said Jeff should be fired, this never comes to pass. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024

Thibodeau’s Bulls were in the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat, and Javie and Thibodeau had an exchange that, to the naked eye, looked aggressive and blurring the line of what is acceptable … when, in actuality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. —James L. Edwards Iii, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024

In actuality, they are developed to benefit a select few. —Michelle Benegas, Twin Cities, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English actualite "capacity for action, effective power," borrowed from Medieval Latin āctuālitāt-, āctuālitās, from Late Latin āctuālis actual + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 2