1. The true or genuine cause or explanation for something, as opposed to a stated or apparent reason
The actual reason for his absence was that he was ill, not that he had a prior commitment.
A razão real da sua ausência era que ele estava doente, e não que tinha um compromisso anterior.
2. The factual basis or legitimate justification underlying a decision or action
We need to understand the actual reason behind the company's decision to restructure.
Precisamos entender a razão real por trás da decisão da empresa de se reestruturar.