Factual

/ˈfæk.tʃu.əl/

adjectiveBeginnerVery CommonLiterature

Definitions

1

Relating to or consisting of facts.

/ˈfæk.tʃu.əl/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Literature

Based on or concerned with facts.

The book presented a factual history of the city.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're telling a story, and you want to make sure everything you say is true and can be proven. That's what factual means – it’s like saying, 'Here are the real facts!'

👶 For kids: Being true and real!

More Examples

2

It is important to provide factual information in scientific reports.

3

The journalist aimed to provide a factual and unbiased view of the situation.

How It's Used

Journalism

"The news report provided a factual account of the events."

Law

"The witness provided factual evidence that supported the defense's case."

From Latin *factum* ('thing done, deed'), from *facere* ('to do, to make'). It entered English in the 17th century, initially referring to actions, later evolving to describe things based on facts.

In early usage, 'factual' could describe actions or deeds. Later, it evolved to mean relating to established facts or actual events.

Memory tip

Think of 'facts' as the foundation. Factual information is the solid building block.

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Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written