# factual

/ˈfæktʃuəɫ/ (US) · /fˈæktʃuːəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/factual
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. based on facts

adjective · CEFR B2

based on or containing real facts rather than opinions or imagination.

For teachers: pertaining to, consisting of, or based on objective facts rather than interpretation or fiction.

- The reporter tried to keep her story factual and did not include her own feelings.
- The legal team insisted on a purely factual account of the incident, stripping away any emotional language that might bias the jury.

### 2. documentary media

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

television programmes or films that are based on real events, like documentaries.

For teachers: a genre of media content, such as documentaries or news features, based on real-world events and information. Uncountable in this sense.

- He has worked in factual for ten years, mostly making nature documentaries.
- The network is shifting its budget away from expensive period dramas to invest more heavily in high-quality factual programming.

Usage: Used as an uncountable noun in the broadcasting and media industries.

## Examples

- The news report provided a factual account of the event.
- The lawyer asked the witness to stick to factual details rather than sharing her personal feelings.
- While the documentary was praised for its factual accuracy, some critics argued that the director's choice of music created a biased emotional narrative.

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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.