ˈfakt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin factum, from neuter of factus, past participle of facere to do, make — more at do
1. : a thing done : deed: as
a. obsolete : an action in general : action , conduct
b. obsolete : a meritorious or valorous deed
c. : a wrong or unlawful deed : crime — used in the phrase after the fact
an accessory after the fact
2. obsolete : doing , making , preparing, performing , act
3.
a. : something that has actual existence : event
b. : an occurrence, quality, or relation the reality of which is manifest in experience or may be inferred with certainty ; specifically : an actual happening in time or space
fact in its primary meaning, as an object of direct experience, is distinguished from truth
stubborn facts
given facts
c. : a verified statement or proposition ; also : something that makes a statement or a proposition true or false
4.
a. : the quality or character of being actual or of being made up of facts : actuality
a question of fact hinges on the actual evidence
b. : physical actuality or practical experience as distinguished from imagination, speculation, or theory
the realm of fact is distinct from fancy
5. : an assertion, statement, or information containing or purporting to contain something having objective reality
you must marshal your facts to combat his assertions
broadly : something presented rightly or wrongly as having objective reality
his facts are open to question
6. usually plural
a. : any of the circumstances of a case at law as it exists or is alleged to exist in reality : something proved by the evidence to be or alleged to be of actual occurrence
b. : the reality of events or things the actual occurrence or existence of which is to be determined by evidence
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- in fact