factual
Americanadjective
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of or relating to facts; concerning facts.
factual accuracy.
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based on or restricted to facts.
a factual report.
adjective
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of, relating to, or characterized by facts
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of the nature of fact; real; actual
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of factual
First recorded in 1825–35; fact + -ual, after actual or effectual
Explanation
If something is factual, it can be proven, like your mother's story about the bear that is factual because she took a picture of it standing next to the family car. Something factual is real. It is based in fact, meaning it can be proven, repeated or observed. In fact, fact is the root of the word factual, from the Latin word factum, meaning "event, occurrence." The factual part of a story is the part that really happened — the rest gets more outlandish every time someone tells it. Evidence makes something factual.
Vocabulary lists containing factual
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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Make Do: Fac
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The Real Deal: Synonyms for "True"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It is important to note that the DOJ did not take a position on whether the plaintiffs’ factual claims are accurate or supported.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
Because, while handball before a goal is considered a factual decision, whether you think the ball touched the fingers in a case like this is very much subjective.
From BBC • May 3, 2026
“The goal is to get them to look at information from a factual, rational place, not a fear state.”
From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026
“I’m just asking you a factual question,” Warren said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
Elizabeth, the factual, the matter-of-fact, burst into tears.
From "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
