ENGLISH
REFERENCE

factual

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfæktʃuəɫ// UK //fˈæktʃuːəl// fac·tu·al

adj. based on things that are real or true. You use this to describe information that is not an opinion or a story.

adj. concerned with, or consisting of, actual facts rather than interpretations or imagination. Often used to describe reports, evidence, or statements that can be verified.


SIMPLE

The news report provided a factual account of the event.

CONTEXTUAL

The lawyer asked the witness to stick to factual details rather than sharing her personal feelings.

COMPLEX

While the documentary was praised for its factual accuracy, some critics argued that the director's choice of music created a biased emotional narrative.

Synonyms
Origin

From fact + -ual, modeled after, and by analogy with, actual.

Usage

Typically precedes the noun it modifies; often contrasted with 'fictional' or 'subjective'.

Pitfall

the factuals of the casethe facts of the caseLearners often use the adjective 'factual' as a plural noun, but 'facts' is the correct noun form for specific pieces of true information.

© 2026 English Reference