fact

noun

1
a
: something that has actual existence
space exploration is now a fact
b
: an actual occurrence
prove the fact of damage
2
: a piece of information presented as having objective reality
These are the hard facts of the case.
3
: the quality of being actual : actuality
a question of fact hinges on evidence
4
: a thing done: such as
a
: crime
accessory after the fact
b
archaic : action
c
obsolete : feat
5
archaic : performance, doing
Phrases
in fact
: in truth
He looks younger, but in fact, he is 60 years old.

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 on the Web In fact, food and family provided the inspiration for an upcoming beer pairing dinner on March 14 at Mr. B’s - A Bartolotta Steakhouse, 18380 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield. Kristine M. Kierzek, Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2024 In fact, the drug was found to be even more powerful than its injectable obesity treatment—participants shed 13.1% of their weight in 12 weeks with amycretin, while Wegovy patients lost 6% of their weight in the same period. Byprarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 8 Mar. 2024 In fact, the Murdochs inspired the storyline of the fictional Roy family on the HBO hit series Succession. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 In fact, the IRS will open 70 Taxpayer Assistance Centers on March 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide in-person assistance. Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 In fact my policies have attracted $650 Billion of private sector investments in clean energy and advanced manufacturing creating tens of thousands of jobs here in America! USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024 In fact, a motion attorneys filed in connection with the $8 million LAN settlement requests $2.5 million in attorney fees and $5.4 million in expenses. Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 8 Mar. 2024 In fact, as AI becomes embedded across more aspects of daily life, the values upon which its decisions and behaviors are based emerge as critical product features. François Candelon, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 Biden’s campaign is seeking to hit Trump hard at one of his most vulnerable moments, when the former president may be struggling to consolidate his party after the primary — and as more potentially persuadable voters begin coming to terms with the fact that November really will be a 2020 rematch. Will Weissert, The Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fact.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin factum "deed, action, real event," noun derivative from neuter of factus, past participle of facere "to make, bring about, perform, do," going back to a suffixed form *dhh1-k-i̯e- (with perfect fēcī from *dheh1-k-) of Indo-European *dhh1-, dheh1- "put, place, make, do" — more at do entry 1

Note: The extension *-k- has been compared with the Greek extended aorist éthēka "I placed" (corresponding to present títhēmi "I set, put, placed"), apparently parallel to Latin jaciō, jacere "to throw" and Greek hêka "I threw" (see jet entry 3); though the identity of the two formatives has been disputed.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of fact was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near fact

Cite this Entry

“Fact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fact. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fact

noun
1
a
: a thing done
b
: crime sense 1
accessory after the fact
2
: the quality of being actual
3
: something that actually exists or occurs
space travel is now a fact
prove the fact of damage
4
: a piece of information about something presented as true and accurate
a book filled with facts

Legal Definition

fact

noun
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
Etymology

Latin factum deed, real happening, something done, from neuter of factus, past participle of facere to do, make

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