fact

A fact is a state of reality that can be verified or demonstrated. In ordinary use, facts are statements about the world that are objectively true or verifiable through evidence, observation, and testable methods. Facts are generally distinguished from beliefs, opinions, or values, though people may disagree about what evidence is reliable.

In science, facts are observations that have been repeatedly confirmed and documented under consistent conditions. They provide the empirical basis for theories and laws. A fact itself does not explain why something occurs; it simply describes an aspect of reality that evidence supports. Over time, new data or improved methods can refine or revise what is considered a fact.

Facts can be categorized by domain. Empirical facts are observable phenomena or measurements. Historical facts concern events that are supported by sources and records. Legal facts are matters established by evidence and testimony in court. Mathematical or logical facts are statements that are true by deduction or definition.

Verification and limits are integral to the concept of a fact. Facts may be contested or revised in light of new evidence, better measurements, or clearer interpretation. The process of fact-checking seeks to assess the accuracy of statements by examining sources, methods, and evidence, recognizing that context and limitations can affect what is deemed factual.

The word fact derives from Latin factum, meaning something done or accomplished. In philosophy, the nature of facts intersects with theories of truth, reference, and justification, contributing to ongoing discussions about how reality is represented in language and thought.