1.
You use ~ to indicate that someone or something is supposed to have a particular identity or status, but in reality does not have it.
As he was still not allowed to run a company, his wife became its ~ head...
I was brought up a ~ Christian.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
~ly
The Sultan was still ~ly the Chief of Staff.
= technically
ADV: ADV with cl/group, ADV before v
2.
A ~ price or sum of money is very small in comparison with the real cost or value of the thing that is being bought or sold.
All the ferries carry bicycles free or for a ~ charge.
ADJ: ADJ n
3.
In economics, the ~ value, rate, or level of something is the one expressed in terms of current prices or figures, without taking into account general changes in prices that take place over time.
Inflation would be lower and so ~ rates would be rather more attractive in real terms...
? real
ADJ: ADJ n