fact Definition

fact
noun

1. A thing known to be true, to exist or to have happened.
2. Truth or reality, as distinct from mere statement or belief.

Thesaurus: certainty, reality, truth, actuality, palpability, the score (slang).
3. A piece of information.

Thesaurus: item, detail, datum, particular, specific;information, information (slang), the lowdown (slang).

Idiom: after the fact (before the fact)

After, or before, a crime is committed.

Idiom: as a matter of fact (in actual fact, in fact, in point of fact)

In reality; actually.
Thesaurus: actually, really, truthfully, in point of fact.

Derivative: fact of life

See separate entry.

Idiom: for a fact

With complete certainty.

Idiom: the fact of the matter

The plain truth about the subject in question. See also factual.

Etymology: 16c: from Latin factum something done, from facere to do.