FACT

[noun] - something which is known to have happened or to exist, esp. something for which proof exists, or about which there is informationI'm not interested in hopes and plans, I just want you to tell me the (plain/bare) facts. [C]Can I regard what you have just told me as fact? [U]The play was closely based on fact. [U]The fact (of the matter) is that they are the stronger team and are sure to win. [U + that clause]As a matter of fact, In (actual) fact and In point of fact are used to add emphasis to what you are saying, or to show that it is the opposite of or different from what went before.No I don't work. In fact, I've never had a job.Have you always lived here? As a matter of fact (= The truth is) I've only lived here for the last three years.A fact of life is something unpleasant which cannot be avoided.Going bald is a fact of life.The facts of life are the details about sex and reproduction.A fact-finding mission/visit/study is one which is planned in order to discover information.We are getting some facts and figures (= exact, detailed information) together and we will then have a full board meeting, and hopefully make a decision.(saying) 'Fact is stranger than fiction' means that real things are sometimes stranger than imaginary things.