fækt n. 1 a
thing that is
known to
have occurred, to
exist, or to be
true. 2 a
datum of
experience (often foll. by an
explanatory clause or
phrase :
the fact that
fire burns; the fact of my having
seen them). 3 (usu. in pl.) an
item of verified
information; a
piece of
evidence. 4
truth,
reality. 5 a thing assumed as the
basis for argument or
inference. øbefore (or after) the fact
before (or after) the committing of a
crime. a fact of
life something that must be accepted. facts
and figures
precise details. fact-sheet a
paper setting out relevant information. the facts of life information
about sexual functions and practices. in (or in
point of) fact 1 in reality; as a
matter of fact. 2 (in summarizing) in
short. [L
factum f. facere do]