/ ˌdeɪ ˈfæktəʊ; NAmE -toʊ/ adjective
[ usually before noun ] (from Latin , formal ) existing as a fact although it may not be legally accepted as existing :
The general took de facto control of the country.
► de facto adverb :
He continued to rule the country de facto.
—compare de jure
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WORD ORIGIN
Latin , literally of fact .