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.
Origin and Etymology of fact
Latin factum, from neuter of factus, past participle of facere —see factitious
First Known Use: 15th century
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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