Crossword Genius

To be precise, without the introduction, it's not fiction (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

actual

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'to be precise' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for actual that I've seen before include "Real and current (6)" , "Real, not illusory" , "Existing in fact, current" , "Real and existing (6)" , "Real and concrete, not imaginary" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
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