actuality

actuality
actuality (n.) late 14c., "power, efficacy," from O.Fr. actualite and directly from M.L. actualitatem (nom. actualitas), from L.L. actualis (see ACTUAL (Cf. actual)). A Latin loan-translation of Gk. energeia. Meaning "state of being real" is from 1670s (actualities "existing conditions" is from 1660s).
Mod. use of actuality in the sense of realism, contact with the contemporary, is due to Fr. actualité, from actuel, which does not mean actual, real, but now existing, up to date. [Weekley]

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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