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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use fact in a sentence
The challenge stems from the fact that rather than making learning better, the education technology field has, for the most part, focused on reaching more students.
Why hasn’t digital learning lived up to its promise? | Walter Thompson | September 17, 2020 | TechCrunchIn fact, the Orgonon estate—home of the museum—is located in a town called Rangeley.
This scientist thought he’d found the source of all sexual energy | PopSci Staff | September 17, 2020 | Popular-ScienceThe fact that you have Ferguson, Missouri, or you have the south side in Chicago, the inability to deal with those problems is part of the architecture of the state.
Does Anyone Really Know What Socialism Is? (Ep. 408 Rebroadcast) | Stephen J. Dubner | September 17, 2020 | FreakonomicsIn fact, to-go cocktails could actually increase alcohol safety by promoting home consumption.
We now have studies that confirm the fact that hurricanes are becoming more destructive as the ocean heats up, providing more fuel for storm systems.
A nearly unprecedented cluster of tropical storms are brewing in the Atlantic | Sara Chodosh | September 15, 2020 | Popular-Science
“Lockheed Martin has a long history of misrepresenting facts,” Wheeler added.
In honor of her big year, here are some little-known facts about the songstress, courtesy of BuzzFeed.
Some Taylor Swift Facts After A Massive Year | The Daily Beast Video | December 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTOf course, to call out pinkwashing is not to deny the facts.
How Canadian Oilmen Pinkwash the Keystone Pipeline | Jay Michaelson | December 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTYet, the nutrition facts might not tell the whole story here.
Bulletproof Coffee and the Case for Butter as a Health Food | DailyBurn | December 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIn a country where talk is “cheap” and opinions are “a dime a dozen,” we give the facts special privileges and special status.
Several pioneers familiar with the facts of the tragedy at the time of its occurrence were also present.
Among the Sioux | R. J. CreswellAnd now I am going on to a review of the broad facts of the educational organization of our present world.
The Salvaging Of Civilisation | H. G. (Herbert George) WellsI only draw your attention to the facts; which have been sufficiently patent to the world, whatever Lord Hartledon may think.
Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry WoodThese two phenomenal facts imply some strong antagonism to the priesthood and their system.
Solomon and Solomonic Literature | Moncure Daniel ConwayThe facts have been stated very simply, plus one brief general comment.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I | Ian Hamilton
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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