English Reference

Word

fait

/ˈfeɪt/

Definition

n. a fact or a situation that is already finished and cannot be changed. It is often used to describe something that has happened and is now a permanent part of history.

n. a fact or situation that has already occurred and is now irreversible. Often used in the phrase 'fait accompli' to describe a decision or event that has been completed before others can react to it.

Examples

“The new law is a fait accompli and cannot be changed now.”

“By the time the board met to discuss the merger, the deal was already a fait accompli.”

“The diplomat's sudden resignation was a fait accompli, leaving the administration scrambling to find a replacement before the summit began.”

Examples

simple

“The new law is a fait accompli and cannot be changed now.”

contextual

“By the time the board met to discuss the merger, the deal was already a fait accompli.”

complex

“The diplomat's sudden resignation was a fait accompli, leaving the administration scrambling to find a replacement before the summit began.”

Real-World Examples

“The six-episode season opens with the renaming already a fait accompli, not even commented on.”
The Guardian · 17 Sept 2026

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

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