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

“They are a little bit ahead of us, in the fact that they’ve won two national championships. But that’s where we want to be. We want to be that level of a program.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

"I love the fact that's in Wales," he said, adding that he hoped it could "help put Conwy on the map".

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Except the two coaches had in fact met for a handshake before the game—and it was caught on camera.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

In fact, the organization encourages parents to learn alongside their children.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

It is always possible to learn from dogs and in fact the longer I’m with them the more I understand how little I know.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

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