Fact
/fækt/
Definitions
2 meaningsSomething known to be true or to have happened.
/fækt/
A thing that is known to be true; something that has really happened or is actually the case.
The fact that she was late was undeniable.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're telling a story, and a fact is like the parts that *really* happened. They're not made up; they're real details, like what time you woke up or what you ate for breakfast.
👶 For kids: A fact is something that is true. Like the sky is blue. That's a fact!
More Examples
He presented the facts of the case to the jury.
The police are gathering facts about the incident.
We need to know the hard facts before making a decision.
How It's Used
"The evidence presented in court established the facts of the case."
"Scientists rely on observable facts to support their theories."
"Journalists are expected to report the facts accurately and without bias."
An actual occurrence; a piece of information.
/fækt/
A piece of information presented as objectively real and verifiable.
The report presented several key facts about the company's performance.
💡 Simply: Think of facts as individual clues, like pieces of a puzzle. Each fact helps you understand something better.
👶 For kids: Facts are like little pieces of information that are real and you can believe.
More Examples
We need to verify all the facts before publishing the article.
The witness testified to the facts he had observed.
She presented a compelling case based on the facts.
How It's Used
"The jury deliberated on the facts presented at the trial."
"Gathering the relevant facts is crucial to making informed decisions."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
the fact of the matter
The truth or most important thing to consider.
"The fact of the matter is, we don't have enough money to go on vacation."
in fact
Actually; as a matter of fact; used to emphasize or introduce a statement that adds to or supports what has just been said.
"The movie was great. In fact, it was the best movie I've seen this year."
From Latin *factum* ('a thing done, deed'), the past participle of *facere* ('to do, to make').
The word 'fact' has been used in English since the 15th century, initially deriving from its Latin root as a deed or action, before evolving to its modern meaning.
Memory tip
Think of a 'fact' as a concrete 'act' or thing that has been done and is true.