fact
fact
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "fact" is /fækt/.
fact: /fækt/
Word Form Variations
Noun: fact (singular), facts (plural)
Adjective: factual
Adverb: factually
Note: While "fact" isn't typically a verb, "fact-check" is a verb compound, and "factoring" relates to "factor," a word derived from the same root but with a distinct meaning.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Fact
A piece of information that is undeniably true and can be verified.
Synonyms: truth, reality, certainty, actuality, verity, datum
Antonyms: falsehood, fiction, lie, fantasy, conjecture, opinion
Something that has occurred or is known to have existed.
Synonyms: event, occurrence, incident, happening, phenomenon
Antonyms: hypothesis, theory, speculation, fabrication
Adjective
Factual
Based on or consisting of facts; true or actual.
Synonyms: true, accurate, real, authentic, objective, verifiable
Antonyms: fictional, untrue, subjective, speculative, erroneous
Adverb
Factually
In a way that is based on or relates to facts; in terms of facts.
Synonyms: accurately, truly, objectively, realistically, verifiably
Antonyms: inaccurately, subjectively, theoretically, falsely
Examples of Use
Books
Non-fiction: History books are built upon historical facts. For instance, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer presents a comprehensive account based on documented facts (Simon & Schuster, October 2011). Science textbooks contain countless scientific facts, such as "the fact that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at standard atmospheric pressure."
Reference Books: Encyclopedias and almanacs are collections of verified facts.
Newspapers
News Articles: Journalists report facts to inform the public. A news report might state, "The economic data confirms the fact that inflation is slowing" (Reuters, July 2025). Investigative journalism often seeks to uncover hidden facts.
Editorials/Opinion Pieces: Even in opinion pieces, writers often use facts to support their arguments, as in, "The undeniable fact is that climate change is accelerating."
Online Publications
Educational Websites: Websites like National Geographic Kids or Britannica provide articles filled with facts about animals, history, and science. "Did you know that it's a fact that bees communicate through dance?"
Fact-Checking Sites: Websites like Snopes or PolitiFact exist specifically to verify or debunk claims, stating whether something is a fact or not. "Our analysis found that the claim was a demonstrable fact."
Blogs: While varied, many blogs, especially those focused on health or finance, will cite facts to back up advice. "Here are three surprising facts about healthy eating."
Social Media: Discussions on social media often involve users debating the facts of a situation or sharing "fun facts" with their followers.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Documentaries: Documentaries are largely based on presenting facts about a subject, often through interviews, archival footage, and expert commentary. A historical documentary might present "new facts about an ancient civilization."
Quiz Shows/Game Shows: Programs like Jeopardy! or Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? revolve around contestants knowing facts. "For 200 points, what is the fact about the capital of France?"
Podcasts: Informational podcasts frequently present researched facts to educate listeners on various topics. A science podcast might discuss "the latest facts on space exploration."
Infotainment: Shows that blend information with entertainment often present "fascinating facts" in an engaging way.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In everyday conversations, people often distinguish between opinions and facts. "It's a proven fact that exercise improves mood." "Let's stick to the facts, please."
Debates/Discussions: When arguing a point, individuals will often cite facts to strengthen their position. "The fact is, we don't have enough resources."
Legal Proceedings: Courts rely on established facts to reach verdicts. Lawyers present facts as evidence.
Education: Teachers instruct students to gather facts for research papers and to distinguish fact from opinion. "Please provide sources to support your facts."
10 Quotes Using Fact
"Science is a way of trying to understand the world in a non-superstitious, non-arbitrary way. The fact that it's not perfect is not an argument against it." (Carl Sagan)
"The only fact of life is death." (Nietzsche)
"Fiction reveals the truth that reality obscures. Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth, at least the truth that is accessible to us. The artist is a person who creates fictions, and the scientist is a person who deals with fact." (Pablo Picasso)
"The first fact of life is that there is nothing more important than the family." (Richard Lamm)
"A man is not a fact. He is a project." (Jean-Paul Sartre)
"The greatest fact of the present day is the universality of the need for information." (Walter Cronkite)
"There is no great invention, from fire to the Internet, that has not been hailed as a harbinger of a better day. But it has always been a fact that technology has always been a double-edged sword." (Francis Fukuyama)
"It is a wholesome fact that there is no easy road to any place worth going." (Wallace Stegner)
"The biggest fact about life is that it's a series of beginnings and endings." (Unknown)
"An inconvenient fact is an uncomfortable truth that many would prefer to ignore." (Al Gore)
Etymology
The word "fact" comes from the Latin word "factum," which means "a deed," "a thing done," or "a something that has been done." It's directly related to the Latin verb "facere," meaning "to do" or "to make."
The first known use of "fact" in English, with the meaning of "something that has really occurred or is the case; a truth," dates back to the early 15th century. It appeared in texts to refer to a piece of information or an event that was genuinely true or had happened, directly stemming from that original sense of "a thing done."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Fact
As a matter of fact: In reality; in truth. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I do know him."
Fact of life: An undeniable truth or reality that must be accepted. "Death is a fact of life we all must confront."
Cold, hard facts: Undisputed, often unpleasant truths. "The report presented the cold, hard facts of the economic decline."
In fact: Used to emphasize a statement, often by adding a surprising or contrasting detail. "He said he was busy, but in fact he was just relaxing."
The fact remains: Despite other considerations, this truth persists. "Despite the arguments, the fact remains that we missed the deadline."
Sticking to the facts: Adhering strictly to verifiable information, avoiding speculation. "The lawyer advised them to be careful and stick to the facts."
Fact-check: To verify the accuracy of information. "Always fact-check news before sharing it."
Beyond a shadow of a doubt (a fact): Absolutely certain; indisputable. "It's a fact beyond a shadow of a doubt that he committed the crime."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of fact from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
