fact -
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.
before (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]
