How to pronounce actual
Say it like AK-chuh-wul. Actual has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce actual. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AK
- chuh
- wul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Actual pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- chuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- wulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of actual
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
British respelling: AK-choorl.
What does actual mean?
- presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible“the predicted temperature and the actual temperature were markedly different”“actual and imagined conditions”
- taking place in reality; not pretended or imitated“we saw the actual wedding on television”“filmed the actual beating”
- being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something“her actual motive”“a literal solitude like a desert”
Where does actual come from?
From Middle English actual, actuel (“active”), from Anglo-Norman actuel, actual, and its source Late Latin actuālis (“active, practical”), from Latin actus (“act, action, performance”), from agere (“to do; to act”) + -alis (“-al”), ultimate
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying actual
How do you pronounce actual?
Say AK-chuh-wul. The American pronunciation is /ˈæktʃəwəl/. In British English it is /ˈæktʃʊəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in actual?
Actual has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AK). Broken into parts: AK · chuh · wul.
Is actual pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈæktʃʊəl/ (AK-choorl).