fact

American  

[fakt] / fækt /

noun

1. that which actually exists or is the case; reality or truth.

   Your fears have no basis in fact.

2. something known to exist or to have happened.

   Space travel is now a fact.

3. a truth known by actual experience or observation; something known to be true.

   Scientists gather facts about plant growth.

4. something said to be true or supposed to have happened.

   The facts given by the witness are highly questionable.

5. Law.  Often facts. an actual or alleged event or circumstance relevant to a case, as distinguished from the legal effect of that event or circumstance.

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interjection

1. Slang.  Usually facts. very true; I fully agree.

   “He’s the best freakin’ goalie in the whole NHL.” “Facts.”

idioms

1. before the fact,  prior to the commission of a crime.

   an accessory before the fact.

2. after the fact,  after the commission of a crime.

   an accessory after the fact.

3. in fact,  actually; really; indeed.

   In fact, it was a wonder that anyone survived.

fact British  

/ fækt /

noun

1. an event or thing known to have happened or existed

2. a truth verifiable from experience or observation

3. a piece of information

   get me all the facts of this case

4. law (often plural) an actual event, happening, etc, as distinguished from its legal consequences. Questions of fact are decided by the jury, questions of law by the court or judge

5. philosophy a proposition that may be either true or false, as contrasted with an evaluative statement

6. criminal law after the commission of the offence

   an accessory after the fact

7. criminal law before the commission of the offence

8. in reality or actuality

9. an inescapable truth, esp an unpleasant one

10. the truth

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fact More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing fact

• after the fact
• in fact
• is that a fact
• matter of fact

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Other Word Forms

• factful adjective

Etymology

Origin of fact

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin factum “something done, deed,” noun use of neuter of factus “done,” past participle of facere “to do, make”; do ¹

Example Sentences

In fact, scientists revealed that the asteroid is only 11 metres across, comparable to a school bus — that may seem huge for us Earthlings, but in astronomical proportions that is tiny.

From Space Scoop

In fact, I wish I didn't have to make a prediction here, but I've been told I have to.

From BBC

"I think what you're saying is the facts slightly changed to fit the decision," he was asked by one MP.

From BBC

"This claim was profoundly undercut by the fact that GPB had explicitly told investors what would happen."

From BBC

Analysts at Deutsche Bank said the fact that Airbus had not updated its guidance for aircraft delivery this year suggested the impact of the software update was still being evaluated or had been contained.

From Barron's

Related Words

• accomplishment
• action
• case
• circumstance
• data
• evidence
• experience
• factor
• incident
• information
• performance
• phenomenon
• statistic