# fact

/ˈfækt/ (US) · /fˈækt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fact
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a true thing

noun · CEFR A1

something that is known to be true or has actually happened.

For teachers: a thing that is known or proved to be true; an objective reality as opposed to an opinion or falsehood.

- It is a well-known fact that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
- The journalist spent months verifying every fact in the report to ensure the publication could withstand any legal challenges regarding its accuracy.

### 2. details or data

noun · CEFR B1

information about a situation or a specific subject.

For teachers: information about a particular subject, especially regarding actual conditions, circumstances, or data points.

- The brochure is full of interesting facts about the city's history.
- Before making a final decision on the merger, the board requested a comprehensive summary of the facts regarding the company's current debt.

### 3. legal deed

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

a specific act or event, often used when talking about a crime.

For teachers: an action or deed, specifically a wrongful or criminal act; often used in the phrase 'accessory after the fact'.

- He was charged with being an accessory after the fact.
- The prosecution struggled to establish the facts of the case, as the primary witness provided conflicting accounts of the evening's events.

### 4. emphasizing truth

interjection · CEFR B2 · Informal · Slang

you say this to show that what you are about to say is definitely true.

For teachers: used as a sentence-initial or standalone marker to assert the truth or reliability of the following statement.

- Fact: that was the best pizza I have ever eaten.
- Fact: if we don't leave right now, we are going to miss the opening act of the concert.

Usage: Often used as a one-word sentence followed by a colon or a pause for dramatic emphasis.

## Examples

- It is a fact that the earth goes around the sun.
- The lawyer presented the facts of the case to the jury to prove his client was innocent.
- While the witness provided a compelling narrative, the judge reminded the court to focus strictly on the established facts rather than personal feelings or hearsay.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.