Definitions and Examples of actual, real, practical
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Existing in fact or reality; not merely theoretical or supposed.
Example
The actual cost of the project was much higher than what we had estimated.
Existing or occurring as fact; not imagined or supposed.
Example
The real reason for his absence was that he had to attend a family emergency.
Of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas.
Example
She suggested a practical solution to the problem that could be implemented immediately.
Key Differences: actual vs real vs practical
- 1Actual refers to something that exists in reality, while notional refers to something that is theoretical or imaginary.
- 2Real emphasizes the existence of something as a fact, while notional implies an idea or concept that may not have a physical manifestation.
- 3Practical emphasizes the usefulness or applicability of something in real-life situations, while notional may not have any practical application.
Effective Usage of actual, real, practical
- 1Academic Writing: Use notional to describe theoretical concepts and actual or real to describe empirical data.
- 2Business Communication: Use practical to suggest feasible solutions and real to emphasize the actual situation.
- 3Everyday Conversation: Use these antonyms to clarify the difference between theoretical and practical concepts.
Remember this!
The antonyms of notional are actual, real, and practical. While actual and real emphasize the existence of something, practical emphasizes its usefulness. Use these words to distinguish between theoretical and practical concepts in academic writing, business communication, and everyday conversation.
