DE FACTO

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does de facto mean? 

• DE FACTO (adjective)
  The adjective DE FACTO has 1 sense:

1. existing in fact whether with lawful authority or not

  Familiarity information: DE FACTO used as an adjective is very rare.

• DE FACTO (adverb)
  The adverb DE FACTO has 1 sense:

1. in reality or fact

  Familiarity information: DE FACTO used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DE FACTO (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Existing in fact whether with lawful authority or not

Context example:

a de facto state of war

Also:

existent; real (being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory)

Antonym:

de jure (by right; according to law)

• DE FACTO (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In reality or fact

Context example:

the result was, de facto, a one-party system