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 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.

Etymology: The word factual comes from fact, from Latin factum “a thing done,” from facere “to do.” The term has been used in English to discuss the reliability of statements and the relationship between claims and supporting evidence.

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

Limitations: Facts are often contingent on sources and context. What is considered factual can change with new evidence, and different sources may present different facts. The interpretation of data, biases in sourcing, and evolving information can affect perceptions of factuality.

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