Factual: meaning, definitions and examples

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factual

[ˈfækʧuəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a sentence

Based on facts; real; actual.

Synonyms

accurate, correct, true.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
factual	Used when emphasizing that something is based on facts and actuality. It's often employed in academic, scientific, or legal contexts where evidence and objectivity are essential. The report provided a factual account of the incident. She presented factual information during the debate.
true	Used when something aligns with reality or is in accordance with facts. It is often used in philosophy, general statements, or when affirming honesty. Her statement was true and verifiable. It is true that the Earth orbits the Sun.
accurate	Used when something is precisely correct without any errors. Often applied in contexts requiring precision such as measurement, data analysis, and testing. The measurements were accurate to within a millimeter. It's an accurate depiction of the historic event.
correct	Used when something is free from errors or mistakes and aligns with established rules or standards. Commonly used in educational settings, formal writing, and everyday scenarios to indicate correctness. Make sure your answers are correct before submitting the test. The teacher praised him for his correct pronunciation.

Examples of usage

The article provided a factual account of the events.
It is important to distinguish between factual information and opinions.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in a sentence

Concerned with what is actually the case rather than interpretations of or reactions to it.

Synonyms

objective, realistic, truthful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
factual	Use when you want to emphasize that information is based on facts and evidence, with no opinions or speculation. The report was very factual and included multiple sources to support the claims The witness provided a factual account of the events
objective	Appropriate in situations requiring neutrality and impartiality, often used in academic, scientific, or journalistic contexts. The judge must remain objective and not let personal feelings influence the decision The article offered an objective analysis of the recent changes in policy
realistic	Best used when discussing something that aligns with reality and common sense, often in contrast to idealistic views. The team set realistic goals for the project, knowing their limitations It's important to have a realistic perspective on what can be achieved with the given resources
truthful	Used to describe someone or something that adheres strictly to the truth, often relating to personal honesty and integrity. She was always truthful, never hesitating to admit her mistakes His testimony was found to be truthful after cross-examination

Examples of usage

The documentary presented a factual analysis of the situation.
The detective focused on gathering factual evidence.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'factual' comes from the late Latin term 'factus,' which means 'made or done.'
It was first used in English in the mid-19th century to indicate something that is based on real events or information.

Science

In scientific research, factual data is crucial because it provides evidence that can support or refute hypotheses.
Empirical evidence, which can be observed and measured, is considered the backbone of scientific facts.

Education

In teaching, factual knowledge is important because it forms the foundation for critical thinking and analysis.
Students often learn better when factual information is presented alongside engaging activities that reinforce the material.

Psychology

The accuracy of a person's beliefs can be influenced by their access to factual information, shaping their perspectives and decisions.
Cognitive biases can often interfere with how individuals interpret factual information, leading to misconceptions.

Literature

In literature, a factual narrative might be found in non-fiction works, where the author's intent is to inform rather than entertain.
Biographies are typically factual accounts, providing insights into the lives of real people, constructed from verified information.

Translations

Translations of the word "factual" in other languages:

🇵🇹 factual

🇮🇳 तथ्यात्मक

🇩🇪 faktisch

🇮🇩 faktual

🇺🇦 фактичний

🇵🇱 faktyczny

🇯🇵 事実の

🇫🇷 factuel

🇪🇸 factual

🇹🇷 gerçek

🇰🇷 사실의

🇸🇦 حقيقي

🇨🇿 faktický

🇸🇰 faktický

🇨🇳 事实的

🇸🇮 dejanski

🇮🇸 staðreynd

🇰🇿 ақиқат

🇬🇪 ფაქტობრივი

🇦🇿 faktiki

🇲🇽 factual

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,598 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6595 ammunition
6596 preached
6597 distal
6598 factual
6599 antenna
6600 negligible
6601 initiate
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