fact
that which actually exists or is the case; reality or truth: Your fears have no basis in fact.
something known to exist or to have happened: Space travel is now a fact.
a truth known by actual experience or observation; something known to be true: Scientists gather facts about plant growth.
something said to be true or supposed to have happened: The facts given by the witness are highly questionable.
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.
Usually facts. Slang. very true; I fully agree: “He’s the best freakin’ goalie in the whole NHL.” “Facts.”
Idioms about fact
after the fact, Law. after the commission of a crime: an accessory after the fact.
before the fact, Law. prior to the commission of a crime: an accessory before the fact.
in fact, actually; really; indeed: In fact, it was a wonder that anyone survived.
Origin of fact
1Other words from fact
- fact·ful, adjective
Words that may be confused with fact
Words Nearby fact
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use fact in a sentence
They’re likely banking on the fact that voters don’t remember or care that Republicans waited months to start negotiating.
Why House Democrats have good reason to be anxious about no coronavirus relief deal | Amber Phillips | September 17, 2020 | Washington PostAchieving herd immunity is, in fact, one goal in this pandemic.
The problem with Trump’s ‘herd mentality’ line isn’t the verbal flub. It’s the mass death. | Philip Bump | September 16, 2020 | Washington PostThis story has been updated to reflect the fact that Red Ventures has made four acquisitions this year, not three.
‘Helping people discover information’: How Red Ventures grew into a giant | Max Willens | September 16, 2020 | DigidayMany publishers have struggled with the fact that virtual event sponsorships fetch smaller amounts of money than in-person ones.
‘Eager to explore more’: Business Insider’s virtual events strategy lifts volume and plants evergreen on-demand feature | Max Willens | September 16, 2020 | Digiday“The fact is, we created the greatest economy in the history of the world.”
Trump’s ABC News town hall: Four Pinocchios, over and over again | Glenn Kessler | September 16, 2020 | Washington Post
He loves the fact that, like on Grindr, users can identify as transgender.
In fact, in a recent study of their users internationally, it was the lowest priority for most.
Despite the strong language, however, the neither the JPO nor Lockheed could dispute a single fact in either Daily Beast report.
In fact, according to F-35 program sources, the next software upgrades are not yet fully defined nor are they fully funded.
In its attempt to discredit the story, the JPO inadvertently confirmed that fact.
Many British Ferns evidence a marked tendency to “sport,” and this is a fact which the beginner should always bear in mind.
How to Know the Ferns | S. Leonard BastinIn fact, except for Ramona's help, it would have been a question whether even Alessandro could have made Baba work in harness.
Ramona | Helen Hunt JacksonRecognition of the pneumococcus depends upon its morphology, the fact that it is Gram-staining, and the presence of a capsule.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell ToddThe fact that the day following the punishment parade was a Sunday brought about a certain relaxation from discipline.
The Red Year | Louis TracyI claim that it contains many errors of fact, and the Higher Criticism supports the claim; as we shall see.
God and my Neighbour | Robert Blatchford
British Dictionary definitions for fact
/ (fækt) /
an event or thing known to have happened or existed
a truth verifiable from experience or observation
a piece of information: get me all the facts of this case
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
philosophy a proposition that may be either true or false, as contrasted with an evaluative statement
after the fact criminal law after the commission of the offence: an accessory after the fact
before the fact criminal law before the commission of the offence
as a matter of fact, in fact or in point of fact in reality or actuality
fact of life an inescapable truth, esp an unpleasant one
the fact of the matter the truth
Origin of fact
1Derived forms of fact
- factful, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with fact
In addition to the idiom beginning with fact
- facts of life
also see:
- after the fact
- in fact
- is that a fact
- matter of fact
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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