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factual

Factual is an adjective used to describe statements, claims, or materials that are grounded in verifiable facts or evidence. A factual assertion can be supported by data, documents, or direct observation, and is typically distinguished from opinion, interpretation, or speculation.

In journalism and scholarly writing, the aim is often to present factual information and to distinguish clearly

Etymology: The word factual comes from fact, from Latin factum “a thing done,” from facere “to do.”

Usage notes: Terms like factual error, fact-check, and fact-based or fact-driven are common. The term can be

Limitations: Facts are often contingent on sources and context. What is considered factual can change with

See also: fact, fact-checking, factuality, evidence, verification.

between
what
is
known
from
evidence
and
what
is
conjecture.
Factuality
refers
to
the
quality
of
being
factually
correct;
the
noun
factuality
expresses
this
characteristic.
The
term
has
been
used
in
English
to
discuss
the
reliability
of
statements
and
the
relationship
between
claims
and
supporting
evidence.
used
with
nouns
such
as
“factual
accuracy,”
“factual
basis,”
or
“factual
record.”
For
example,
a
report
may
present
factual
data
on
emissions
and
energy
use,
while
noting
areas
where
data
are
incomplete
or
disputed.
new
evidence,
and
different
sources
may
present
different
facts.
The
interpretation
of
data,
biases
in
sourcing,
and
evolving
information
can
affect
perceptions
of
factuality.