Definition of "fact"

fact

/fækt/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural facts
1. Something actual as opposed to invented.
  Quotations
  Mother […] considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom, from which every Kensingtonian held aloof, except on the conventional tip-and-run excursions in pursuit of shopping, tea and theatres.
  1922, Ben Travers, chapter 2, in A Cuckoo in the Nest‎
2. Something which is real.
3. Something concrete used as a basis for further interpretation.
4. An objective consensus on a fundamental reality that has been agreed upon by a substantial number of experts.
5. Information about a particular subject, especially actual conditions and/or circumstances.
6. (databases) An individual value or measurement at the lowest level of granularity in a data warehouse.
7. (archaic) Action; the realm of action.
  Quotations
  After that Richard, the third of that name, king in fact only, but tyrant both in title and regiment […] was […] overthrown and slain at Bosworth Field; there succeeded in the kingdom […] Henry the Seventh.
  1622, Francis Bacon, The History of the Reign of King Henry the Seventh, page 1
8. (law, obsolete except in set phrases) A wrongful or criminal deed.
  Quotations
  She was empassiond at that piteous act, / With zelous enuy of Greekes cruell fact, / Against that nation [...].
  1590, Edmund Spenser, “Book III, Canto IX”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie
  His friends still wrought Repreeves for him: And indeed his fact till now in the government of Lord Angelo, came not to an undoubtfull proofe.
  c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Measure for Measure”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act III, scene ii], page 76, column 2
  Gentlemen of the Jury, I think I need say but little on this matter: They all confess the fact of which they stand indicted. Some of them were old offenders, and all of them were proved to be at the taking of capt. Manwareing's sloop, and all took their shares: so that I think the fact is very fully and clearly proved upon them.
  1819, T. Howell, A Complete Collection of State Trials and Proceedings for High Treason and Other Crimes and Misdemeanors
9. (obsolete) A feat or meritorious deed.
  Quotations
  UUho when he ſhal embrace you in his armsUUil tell how many thouſand men he ſlew.And when you looke for amorous diſcourſe,Will rattle foorth his facts of war and blood:Too harſh a ſubiect for your daintie eares.
  c. 1587–1588, [Christopher Marlowe], Tamburlaine the Great. […] The First Part […], 2nd edition, part 1, London: […] [R. Robinson for] Richard Iones, […], published 1592; reprinted as Tamburlaine the Great (A Scolar Press Facsimile), Menston, Yorkshire, London: Scolar Press, 1973, Act III, scene ii
  When he who most excels in fact of arms,
  1667, John Milton, Paradise Lost
interjection
1. Used before making a statement to introduce it as a trustworthy one.

Definition of "fact"

fact

noun

Quotations

Quotations

Quotations

Quotations

interjection