actual word

[ˈæk.tʃu.əl wɜːrd]
noun phrasepl: actual words
palavra real / palavra efetiva
1. A genuine, real, or authentic word that exists in a language, as opposed to a made-up or hypothetical term
In linguistics, we study actual words that speakers use in real conversations, not invented terms.
Em linguística, estudamos palavras reais que os falantes usam em conversas genuínas, não termos inventados.
2. A specific word that is currently being discussed or referenced in context
Can you give me an actual word example instead of a vague description?
Você pode me dar um exemplo de uma palavra real em vez de uma descrição vaga?
This phrase is more commonly used in academic, educational, and linguistic contexts in both English-speaking countries and Brazil. It emphasizes authenticity and specificity when discussing language, vocabulary building, or precision in communication.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
real wordgenuine wordauthentic wordconcrete word
Antonyms / Antônimos
made-up wordfictional wordimaginary wordneologism

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
palavra real / palavra efetiva
Standard usage in academic and linguistic contexts
Portugal
palavra verdadeira / palavra autêntica
May use 'verdadeira' more frequently than Brazilian Portuguese
United States
N/A - English phrase
Common in educational and linguistic discourse

Related Words

vocabularylexiconterminologyword choicediction

Related Idioms & Phrases

give me the actual word
use actual words
actual word for word
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →