Facts
/fækts/
Definitions
A piece of information that is known to be true.
/fækts/
A thing that is known to be true, especially when established through evidence or investigation.
The report presented all the relevant facts.
💡 Simply: Facts are like the ingredients of a recipe – they're the proven pieces of information that make up a story or an understanding. They're the 'real deal'! For example: 'The fact is, it's raining outside.'
👶 For kids: A fact is something that is true! Like, the sky is blue, or cats like to sleep.
More Examples
The facts supported his claims.
It is important to base your decisions on facts, not assumptions.
How It's Used
"Journalists are expected to report the facts accurately."
"The prosecution presented the facts of the case to the jury."
"Scientific experiments are designed to uncover new facts about the natural world."
Idioms & expressions
a matter of fact
Used to indicate that something is a statement of fact.
"It's a matter of fact that the sun rises in the east."
face the facts
To accept an unpleasant or difficult truth.
"It's time you faced the facts about your performance."
From Latin *factum* meaning "a thing done, deed, act," neuter past participle of *facere* "to do, make." The plural form reflects a collection of verified truths.
The word 'fact' has been used since the 16th century, originally related to any completed action or deed. Its modern emphasis on truth and verification developed over time with the rise of scientific methodology.