Defacto

De facto (often spelled defacto in English) is a Latin phrase meaning "in fact" or "in reality." It is used to describe a situation that exists in practice, even if not formally recognized by law or official status. The opposite term is de jure, meaning "by law" or "legally recognized."

In politics, a de facto government or leader exercises power and authority in practice without formal legal recognition. In international relations, a de facto state exercises control over a territory without widespread legal recognition. In law and business, de facto standards or practices emerge from common usage rather than formal standards bodies—e.g., a de facto standard that becomes widely adopted over time. In social contexts, a de facto partner is someone living together in a marriage-like relationship without a formal marriage.

Notable cautions: de facto status is context-dependent and can change; it may be challenged in courts or by legislation. The term is commonly contrasted with de jure to clarify the difference between practical reality and formal legality. Some writers prefer the two-word form "de facto," while "defacto" is seen as a misspelling or informal variant, especially in formal documents.