fact

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

   first you must collect all the facts of the case

2. 2
   noun

   a concept whose truth can be proved

   scientific hypotheses are not facts

3. 3
   noun

   a statement or assertion of verified information about something that is the case or has happened

   You supported your argument with an impressive array of facts.

4. 4
   noun

   an event known to have happened or something known to have existed

   your fears have no basis in fact

5. 5
   noun

   Something actual as opposed to invented.

   establish the facts

6. 6
   noun

   Something which is real.

   Gravity is a fact, not a theory.

7. 7
   noun

   Something concrete used as a basis for further interpretation.

   Let's look at the facts of the case before deciding.

8. 8
   noun

   An objective consensus on a fundamental reality that has been agreed upon by a substantial number of experts.

   There is no doubting the fact that the Earth orbits the Sun.

Etymology

From Old French fact, from Latin factum (“an act, deed, feat, etc.”); also Medieval Latin for “state, condition, circumstance”; neuter of factus (“done or made”), perfect passive participle of faciō (“do, make”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *dʰeh₁- (“to put, place, set”). Old/Middle French later evolved it into faict and fait. Doublet of feat.