FACT Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

View synonyms for

fact

[ fakt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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.

interjection

Usually facts. Slang. very true; I fully agree:
“He’s the best freakin’ goalie in the whole NHL.” “Facts.”

fact

/ ��æ�� /

noun

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 or 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

Discover More

Derived Forms

ˈ�ڲ��ٴڳܱ�, adjective

Discover More

Other 51�Թ� Forms

�ڲ��·�ڳܱ� adjective

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of fact¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin factum “something done, deed,” noun use of neuter of factus “done,” past participle of facere “to do, make”; do ¹

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of fact¹

C16: from Latin factum something done, from factus made, from facere to make

Discover More

Idioms and Phrases

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.

More idioms and phrases containing fact

In addition to the idiom beginning with fact , also see after the fact ; in fact ; is that a fact ; matter of fact .

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But in fact the two men's backgrounds were more similar than their demeanours ever suggested - and his role in Richard's life would prove to be transformative.

From

But there's also the fact, he says, that video game prices have not kept up with inflation.

From

Most of their most intimate moments, in fact, take place in utter darkness, in spaces where their soot-covered bodies nevertheless stand out from the grime and grit all around them.

From

But the trio’s talents don’t excuse the fact that Scharfman gives his characters almost nothing to work with.

From

"The fact a global superpower such as the US was paying attention to us at all caught us off guard."

From

Related 51�Թ�s

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Browse