(ˈ)dēˈfakˌtō, (ˈ)dāˈ-; (ˈ)dāˈfäkˌ- adverb (or adjective)
Etymology: Latin
1. : actually : in fact : in reality
2.
a. : exercising the powers and demanding the privileges of a regularly and legally constituted authority often with a color of right
a de facto court
b. : existing as the controlling power — used of a government actually functioning as a result of a revolution or rebellion but not yet permanently established or recognized
c. : existing in fact and in opposition to an assumed or fictitious state of affairs
a de facto state of war
— distinguished from de jure