Fact Meaning

UK /fækt/
US /fækt/
Word Definition
fact meaning

Fact Definition & Usage

noun

A thing that is known or proven to be true.

Examples

  • "It's a fact that the Earth orbits the Sun."
  • "The fact that she arrived late caused a delay in the meeting."
  • "The fact that the company has been losing money is undeniable."
  • "Is it a fact that he was involved in the incident?"
  • "His statement was based on fact, not speculation."
noun

An event or situation that actually occurred.

Examples

  • "The fact of her success was celebrated by everyone."
  • "It was a fact that they had won the championship."
  • "The fact of his promotion was met with great excitement."
  • "The fact of the matter is that we need to take immediate action."
  • "She was confronted with the harsh fact of her failure."
noun

An often indisputable or accepted statement used in conversation.

Examples

  • "She dropped the fact that she had been promoted without even smiling."
  • "During the meeting, he threw a few facts at us without much explanation."
  • "It was a fact that everyone knew she was the most capable, but no one said it aloud."
  • "Sometimes facts are just thrown into the conversation, whether they're needed or not."
  • "They were quick to point out the facts of the case, ignoring the emotions involved."

Cultural Context

The word 'fact' comes from the Latin word 'factum', meaning 'a thing done or performed'. Over centuries, it evolved in English to refer to something that is objectively verifiable.

The Hard Facts of Life

Story

The Hard Facts of Life

In a small town, a group of friends gathered at a local café to discuss the recent changes in their community. Anna, the pragmatic one, was known for her no-nonsense approach to everything. As they talked about the ongoing roadwork that seemed to drag on forever, she remarked, 'The fact is, this project has been delayed for months, and no one is telling us why.' Her friend Tom, ever the optimist, responded, 'But the fact is, this will help our town in the long run.' Anna wasn’t convinced, so she added, 'The fact that no one from the council is willing to address this directly makes me suspicious.' The conversation shifted, and soon they were discussing a local legend—how the town square had once been the site of an infamous duel. 'That’s a fact,' said Leo, who always liked to add a dramatic flair. 'My great-grandfather told me about it before he passed.' Anna raised an eyebrow. 'Really? I think that’s more of a factoid than a solid fact.' Leo grinned, 'Well, it’s a fact that a lot of people still believe it.' As the day wore on, they realized that while facts could be solid, the way they were presented often depended on the storyteller. The café buzzed with debates, and as they parted ways, Anna smiled. 'The fact remains, we still have no clear answers about the roadwork.'

The Hard Facts of Life