— factful , adj.
/fakt/ , n.
1. something that actually exists; reality; truth: Your fears have no basis in fact.
2. something known to exist or to have happened: Space travel is now a fact.
3. a truth known by actual experience or observation; something known to be true: Scientists gather facts about plant growth.
4. something said to be true or supposed to have happened: The facts given by the witness are highly questionable.
5. Law. Often, facts . an actual or alleged event or circumstance, as distinguished from its legal effect or consequence. Cf. question of fact, question of law .
6. after the fact , Law. after the commission of a crime: an accessory after the fact.
7. before the fact , Law. prior to the commission of a crime: an accessory before the fact.
8. in fact , actually; really; indeed: In fact, it was a wonder that anyone survived.
[ 1530-40; factum something done, deed, n. use of neut. of factus done, ptp. of facere to DO 1 ]