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Factual Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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factual

[หˆfรฆkสงuษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a sentence

Based on facts; real; actual.

Synonyms

accurate, correct, true.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'factual'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'factual' originated from the Latin word 'factuฤlis', which means 'pertaining to deeds or actions'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in English to describe something based on facts or reality. The concept of presenting information in a factual manner has been important throughout history, particularly in fields such as journalism, science, and law.

See also: fact, faction, factor, facts, factuality, factually.

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.