WordGarden.iofact
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈækt/
US
- /ˈfækt/
Meanings
Noun
something known or proved to be true
a factual matter considered in a legal case
Beyond the definition
A fact is something that's true and can be proven—it's not just an opinion or belief! Think of detectives solving a case; they gather facts to figure out what really happened. We use facts every day, from knowing the sky is blue to understanding how gravity works. Sometimes, separating fact from fiction can be tricky, especially with so much information swirling around us. A statement like "The Earth revolves around the Sun" is a fact because it's supported by evidence and observation.
Consider this: you might believe chocolate ice cream is the best flavor (an opinion!), but saying that water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius is a fact because it can be checked. Facts are the building blocks of knowledge, helping us understand the world around us. They are often used in arguments to support a point and in reports to present information clearly and accurately.
A fact is a statement that can be verified or proven true using evidence. It is distinct from an opinion, belief, or assumption, which are subjective and based on personal feelings or interpretations. Facts exist independently of what someone thinks or feels about them. For example, "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius" is a fact because it has been repeatedly demonstrated through scientific experimentation.
The concept of a "fact" isn't always as straightforward as it seems. What is considered a fact can change over time as new evidence emerges and our understanding evolves. Something once believed to be true might later be disproven, such as the historical belief that the Earth was flat.
Facts are crucial in many areas of life: science relies on facts gathered through observation and experimentation; history is built upon documented facts about past events; journalism strives to report facts accurately; and law depends on establishing facts in court cases.
You might say, "The fact that she studied so hard paid off with a good grade," or, "Despite the rumors, the facts of the case remain unclear." In everyday conversation, we often use phrases like "Just the facts, ma'am" (made famous by the TV show Dragnet) to emphasize our desire for objective truth.
So, while opinions can be debated and beliefs can vary, a fact remains constant—a cornerstone of knowledge and understanding that stands up to scrutiny and verification.
Examples
- 1
Online information
Check the facts before you post anything online.
- 2
News reporting
The newspaper got some of the facts wrong.
- 3
Whole situation
The fact that he arrived early impressed the manager.
- Patternthe fact that + clause
used before a whole situation or idea
- 4
Unpleasant truth
She had to face the fact that the plan had failed.
- Phraseface the fact that
accept that something unpleasant is true
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Adding information
In fact, I had never been there before.
- Phrasein fact
actually; used to add or correct information
- 6
Concession
Despite the fact that it was late, nobody wanted to leave.
- Phrasedespite the fact that
although
- 7
Life reality
It's a fact of life that people make mistakes.
- Phrasea fact of life
something common and real, especially something that cannot easily be changed
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- factnoun
Forms
- factspluralnoun