Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

1 PHRASE You can use in actuality to emphasize that what you are saying is true, when it contradicts or contrasts with what you have previously said. [EMPHASIS ] □  In actuality, we've found that leaders appreciate the training.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Actuality is the state of really existing rather than being imagined. □  It exists in dreams rather than actuality.

ac|tu|al|ly ◆◆◆ /æ ktʃuəli/

1 ADV [ADV before v] You use actually to indicate that a situation exists or happened, or to emphasize that it is true. [EMPHASIS ] □  One afternoon, I grew bored and actually fell asleep for a few minutes. □  Interest is only payable on the amount actually borrowed.

2 ADV You use actually when you are correcting or contradicting someone. [EMPHASIS ] □  No, I'm not a student. I'm a doctor, actually. □  'So it's not a family show then?'—'Well, actually, I think that's exactly what it is.'

3 ADV You can use actually when you are politely expressing an opinion that other people might not have expected from you. [POLITENESS ] □  'Do you think it's a good idea to socialize with one's patients?'—'Actually, I do, I think it's a great idea.'

4 ADV You use actually to introduce a new topic into a conversation. □  Well actually, John, I rang you for some advice. SYNONYMS actually ADV 1

really:What was really going on?

indeed:He did indeed keep important documents inside his hat.

in fact:We've had a pretty bad time while you were away. In fact, we very nearly split up this time.

genuinely:He was genuinely surprised. USAGE actually

Don’t use actually when you want to say that something is happening now. Use at present , at the moment , or right now . □  He’s in a meeting at the moment .

ac|tu|ari|al /æ ktʃueə riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Actuarial means relating to the work of an actuary. □  The company's actuarial report is available on demand.

ac|tu|ary /æ ktʃuəri, [AM ] -tʃueri/ (actuaries ) N‑COUNT An actuary is a person who is employed by insurance companies to calculate how much they should charge their clients for insurance.

ac|tu|ate /æ ktʃue I t/ (actuates , actuating , actuated )

1 VERB If a person is actuated by an emotion, that emotion makes them act in a certain way. □ [be V -ed] They were actuated by desire.

2 VERB If something actuates a device, the device starts working. □ [V n] The flow of current actuates the signal.

acu|ity /ækjuː I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Acuity is sharpness of vision or hearing, or quickness of thought. [FORMAL ] □  We work on improving visual acuity.

acu|men /æ kjʊmen, [AM ] əkjuː mən/ N‑UNCOUNT Acumen is the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions. □  His sharp business acumen meant he quickly rose to the top.

acu|pres|sure /æ kjʊpreʃə ^r / N‑UNCOUNT Acupressure is the treatment of pain by a type of massage in which pressure is put on certain areas of a person's body.

acu|punc|ture /æ kjʊpʌŋktʃə ^r / N‑UNCOUNT Acupuncture is the treatment of a person's illness or pain by sticking small needles into their body at certain places.

acu|punc|tur|ist /æ kjʊpʌŋktʃər I st/ (acupuncturists ) N‑COUNT An acupuncturist is a person who performs acupuncture.

acute /əkjuː t/

1 ADJ You can use acute to indicate that an undesirable situation or feeling is very severe or intense. □  The report has caused acute embarrassment to the government. □  The labour shortage is becoming acute.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] An acute illness is one that becomes severe very quickly but does not last very long. Compare chronic . [MEDICAL ] □  …a patient with acute rheumatoid arthritis.