The difference between Actual and Virtual
When used as nouns, actual means something actually received, whereas virtual means a virtual member function of a class.
When used as adjectives, actual means relating to a person's acts or deeds, whereas virtual means in effect or essence, if not in fact or reality.
check bellow for the other definitions of Actual and Virtual
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Actual as an adjective (chiefly, theology):
Relating to a person's acts or deeds; active, practical.
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Actual as an adjective:
Existing in reality, not just potentially; really acted or acting; occurring in fact.
Examples:
"the actual cost of goods; the actual case under discussion"
"The actual government expenses dramatically exceed the budget."
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Actual as an adjective (now, rare):
In action at the time being; now existing; current.
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Actual as an adjective:
Used as intensifier to emphasise a following noun; exact, very.
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Actual as a noun (finance):
An actual, real one; notably: Something actually received; real receipts, as distinct from estimated ones. A radio callsign modifier that specifies the commanding officer of the unit or asset denoted by the remainder of the callsign and not the officer's assistant or other designee.
Examples:
"Bravo Six Actual, this is Charlie One. Come in, over.'' (The radio operator is requesting to speak to the commander of the unit under the call sign "Bravo Six.")"
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Virtual as an adjective:
In effect or essence, if not in fact or reality; imitated, simulated.
Examples:
"In fact a defeat on the battlefield, Tet was a virtual victory for the North, owing to its effect on public opinion."
"Virtual addressing allows applications to believe that there is much more physical memory than actually exists."
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Virtual as an adjective:
Having the power of acting or of invisible efficacy without the agency of the material or measurable part; potential.
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Virtual as an adjective:
Nearly, almost. (A relatively recent development in meaning)
Examples:
"The angry peasants were a virtual army as they attacked the castle."
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Virtual as an adjective:
Simulated in a computer or online.
Examples:
"The virtual world of his computer game allowed character interaction."
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Virtual as an adjective:
Operating by computer or in cyberspace; not physically present.
Examples:
"a virtual assistant; a virtual personal trainer"
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Virtual as an adjective (computing, object-oriented programming, of a class member):
Capable of being overridden with a different implementation in a subclass.
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Virtual as an adjective (physics):
Pertaining to particles in temporary existence due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
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Virtual as a noun (computing, programming):
A virtual member function of a class.