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Actuality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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actuality

[หŒรฆktสƒuหˆรฆlษชti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in journalism

The state or quality of being actual or true; the reality of facts; the truthfulness of a statement or account.

Synonyms

factuality, reality, truth.

Examples of usage

  • The journalist prioritized actuality over sensationalism in her reporting.
  • The editor ensured the actuality of the news story before publishing it.
Context #2 | Noun

in philosophy

The quality of being present or existing in fact; the existence of something in reality.

Synonyms

existence, reality.

Examples of usage

  • The philosopher discussed the actuality of consciousness and perception.
  • The debate revolved around the actuality of free will.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, actuality contrasts with potentiality, exploring what could be versus what is.
  • Metaphysical debates often engage with the concept of actuality to define what it means for something to exist.
  • Major philosophers, like Aristotle, addressed the importance of actuality in understanding substance and change.

Science

  • In quantum mechanics, actuality refers to the state of a system when it is observed, differing from its potential states.
  • Scientists consider the actual results of experiments versus hypotheses when forming theories.
  • The concept of actuality often appears in discussions about the nature of time, relating to how we experience the present moment.

Art and Literature

  • In literature, themes of actuality explore the blurred lines between reality and fiction, prompting readers to question perceptions.
  • Artists often depict actuality in ways that challenge viewers to reflect on real-life issues versus idealized portrayals.
  • Stream-of-consciousness writing aims to capture the flow of thoughts in the actual present, giving insights into characters' minds.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Cultural narratives often highlight the tension between actuality and aspirations, questioning societal norms.
  • In various cultures, what is deemed 'actual' can vary significantly based on traditions and societal values.
  • The way media presents actuality can shape public perception, influencing views on reality versus sensationalism.

Origin of 'actuality'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'actualitas', which means 'reality'.
  • In the 15th century, the word evolved in English to mean 'the state of being actual or real'.
  • In philosophy, the term gained prominence in discussions about existence and reality versus illusion.

The word 'actuality' originated in the early 17th century from the French word 'actualitรฉ,' which derives from the Latin 'actualitas,' meaning 'actuality' or 'reality.' It has been used in various contexts, such as journalism, philosophy, and general discourse, to convey the idea of truth, reality, or existence.

See also: actualities, actualization, actualize, actually.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,747, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.