fact

[ fakt ]

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. Compare question of fact, question of law.

interjection

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

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

fact

/ 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. after the fact
   after the fact criminal law after the commission of the offence

   an accessory after the fact

7. before the fact
   before the fact criminal law before the commission of the offence
8. as a matter of fact
   as a matter of factin factin point of fact in reality or actuality
9. fact of life
   fact of life an inescapable truth, esp an unpleasant one
10. the fact of the matter
    the fact of the matter the truth

Derived Forms

• ˈfactful, adjective

Other Words From

• fact·ful adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fact¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fact¹

C16: from Latin factum something done, from factus made, from facere to make

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. after the fact, Law. after the commission of a crime:

   an accessory after the fact.

2. before the fact, Law. prior to the commission of a crime:

   an accessory before the fact.

3. in fact, actually; really; indeed:

   In fact, it was a wonder that anyone survived.

More idioms and phrases containing fact

In addition to the idiom beginning with fact , also see after the fact ; in fact ; is that a fact ; matter of fact .

Example Sentences

They’re likely banking on the fact that voters don’t remember or care that Republicans waited months to start negotiating.

From Washington Post

Achieving herd immunity is, in fact, one goal in this pandemic.

From Washington Post

This story has been updated to reflect the fact that Red Ventures has made four acquisitions this year, not three.

From Digiday

Many publishers have struggled with the fact that virtual event sponsorships fetch smaller amounts of money than in-person ones.

From Digiday

“The fact is, we created the greatest economy in the history of the world.”

From Washington Post

He loves the fact that, like on Grindr, users can identify as transgender.

From The Daily Beast

In fact, in a recent study of their users internationally, it was the lowest priority for most.

From The Daily Beast

Despite the strong language, however, the neither the JPO nor Lockheed could dispute a single fact in either Daily Beast report.

From The Daily Beast

In fact, according to F-35 program sources, the next software upgrades are not yet fully defined nor are they fully funded.

From The Daily Beast

In its attempt to discredit the story, the JPO inadvertently confirmed that fact.

From The Daily Beast

Many British Ferns evidence a marked tendency to “sport,” and this is a fact which the beginner should always bear in mind.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact, except for Ramona's help, it would have been a question whether even Alessandro could have made Baba work in harness.

From Project Gutenberg

Recognition of the pneumococcus depends upon its morphology, the fact that it is Gram-staining, and the presence of a capsule.

From Project Gutenberg

The fact that the day following the punishment parade was a Sunday brought about a certain relaxation from discipline.

From Project Gutenberg

I claim that it contains many errors of fact, and the Higher Criticism supports the claim; as we shall see.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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