Actual vs. Virtual — What's the Difference?

Existing in fact; real

Existing or resulting in essence or effect though not in actual fact, form, or name

Existing now; current

Existing in the mind, especially as a product of the imagination. Used in literary criticism of a text.

Relating to a person's acts or deeds; active, practical

Existing as or by means of digital media

Existing in reality, not just potentially; really acted or acting; occurring in fact.

Relating to or existing in virtual reality

In action at the time being; now existing; current.

Emulating the function of another system or device.

Used as intensifier to emphasise a following noun; exact, specific, very.

In effect or essence, if not in fact or reality; imitated, simulated.

An actual, real one; notably:

Having the power of acting or of invisible efficacy without the agency of the material or measurable part; potential.

(finance) something actually received; real receipts, as distinct from estimated ones.

Nearly, almost. (A relatively recent development in meaning)

(military) 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.

Simulated in a computer or online.

(uncountable) Reality, usually with the definite article.

Operating by computer or in cyberspace; not physically present.

Involving or comprising action; active.

Capable of being overridden with a different implementation in a subclass.

Existing in act or reality; really acted or acting; in fact; real; - opposed to potential, possible, virtual, speculative, conceivable, theoretical, or nominal; as, the actual cost of goods; the actual case under discussion.

(physics) Pertaining to particles in temporary existence due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.

In action at the time being; now exiting; present; as the actual situation of the country.

A virtual member function of a class.

Something actually received; real, as distinct from estimated, receipts.

(gambling) A computer simulation of a real-world sport such as horse racing.

Presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible;

Having the power of acting or of invisible efficacy without the agency of the material or sensible part; potential; energizing.

Taking place in reality; not pretended or imitated;

Being in essence or effect, not in fact; as, the virtual presence of a man in his agent or substitute.

Being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something;

Being actually such in almost every respect;

Of the nature of fact; having actual existence;

Being such in essence or effect though not in actual fact;

Existing in fact whether with lawful authority or not;

Being or existing at the present moment;