Definition of fact
1 : a thing done: such asa obsolete : featb : crime accessory after the factc archaic : action
2 archaic : performance, doing
3 : the quality of being actual : actuality a question of fact hinges on evidence
4a : something that has actual existence space exploration is now a factb : an actual occurrence prove the fact of damage
5 : a piece of information presented as having objective reality These are the hard facts of the case.
in fact
: in truth He looks younger, but in fact, he is 60 years old.
From the M-W Editors
Examples of fact in a Sentence
Rapid electronic communication is now a fact.
The book is filled with interesting facts and figures.
He did it, and that's a fact.
Recent Examples of fact from the Web
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In fact, large billboards along the two-lane highway into and out of town have advertised the event for years.
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In fact, taxpayers are being asked in one way or another for close to $1 billion.
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Now, the average is less than two visits, largely due to the fact that their research shows over 90 percent of car purchasers used the Internet to research their purchase in advance, most using a mobile device.
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The fact that Atkinson is even having these kinds of discussions would have seemed unlikely two years ago.
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So the fact that Palawan Island in the Philippines has taken the top spot shows that this place seriously isn't messing.
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Forensic expert Howard Ryan testifies that Shayna's first shot was to Ryan Poston's head -- a significant fact because there was no blood on the front of his shirt.
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In fact, the window films were added simply to absorb the strong Jordanian sunlight, making the hospital's rooms cooler and more energy efficient.
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SpaceX has never been shy about the fact that its ultimate goal is to facilitate the colonization of Mars.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fact.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of fact
Latin factum, from neuter of factus, past participle of facere —see factitious
FACT Defined for English Language Learners
fact
playDefinition of fact for English Language Learners
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: something that truly exists or happens : something that has actual existence
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: a true piece of information
FACT Defined for Kids
fact
playDefinition of fact for Students
1 : something that really exists or has occurred Space travel is now a fact.
2 : a true piece of information “I just know for a fact that she has a huge family to feed!” — Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows
in fact
: in truth : actually She got there early and in fact she was earliest.
Law Dictionary
fact
Legal Definition of fact
1 : something that has actual existence : a matter of objective reality
2 : any of the circumstances of a case that exist or are alleged to exist in reality : a thing whose actual occurrence or existence is to be determined by the evidence presented at trial — see also finding of fact at finding, judicial notice, question of fact at question, trier of fact — compare law, opinion adjudicative fact : a fact particularly related to the parties to an especially administrative proceeding — compare legislative fact in this entry collateral fact : a fact that has no direct relation to or immediate bearing on the case or matter in question — compare material fact in this entry constitutional fact : a fact that relates to the determination of a constitutional issue (as violation of a constitutional right) —used especially of administrative findings of fact evidentiary fact : a fact that is part of the situation from which a case arises and that is established by testimony or other evidence —called also mediate fact, predicate fact — compare ultimate fact in this entry legislative fact : a fact of general social, economic, or scientific relevance that does not change from case to case — compare adjudicative fact in this entry material fact : a fact that affects decision making: as a : a fact upon which the outcome of all or part of a lawsuit depends b : a fact that would influence a reasonable person under the circumstances in making an investment decision (as in purchasing a security or voting for a corporate officer or action) mediate fact : evidentiary fact in this entry predicate fact : evidentiary fact in this entry ultimate fact \ˈəl-ti-mət-\ : a conclusion of law or especially mixed fact and law that is necessary to the determination of issues in a case and that is established by evidentiary facts — compare evidentiary fact in this entry
in fact
: as a factual matter : established by fact rather than as a matter of law
Origin and Etymology of fact
Latin factum deed, real happening, something done, from neuter of factus, past participle of facere to do, make
Learn More about fact
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See words that rhyme with fact Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fact Spanish Central: Translation of fact Nglish: Translation of fact for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of fact for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fact
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