fact
/fækt/
Reviewed on
Type
Noun
Meaning
Something that is known to be true or that really happened.
It's a fact that water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
Things that are true and real, as opposed to what people imagine or believe.
The movie mixes fact and fiction.
How it's used
When this means “introduces a true situation as a noun phrase”
- the fact that + clause
The fact that he called means he still cares.
When this means “used to add something true, often stronger or more surprising than what was just said”
- in fact
I don't mind the rain. In fact, I love it.
When this means “used to add a true detail, often one that surprises the listener”
- as a matter of fact
As a matter of fact, I've been there twice.
Collocations
- interesting fact
- fun fact
- basic facts
- check the facts
- the facts of the case
- fact or fiction
- based on fact
Synonyms
- detail
- truth
- reality
Antonyms
- opinion
- fiction
- myth
Idioms
a fact of life
something unpleasant that you have to accept because it cannot change
Traffic is just a fact of life in a big city.