factor

The word “factor” means one of several things that contributes to or influences a result. In plain terms, something that contributes to a result, a number that divides another evenly, or (as a verb) to break a number/expression down or take something into account.

“Factor” is pronounced FAK-tuh (/ˈfæk.tɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “factor” used in a sentence: “Cost was the deciding factor in choosing a supplier.”

Depending on how it is used, “factor” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “factor” comes from Latin. From Latin factor, "a doer or maker," from facere, "to do.".

“Factor” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Factor” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: one of several things that contributes to or influences a result.

A cause directly produces a result, while a factor is one of several things that contribute to or influence it without necessarily causing it alone. Poor diet may be a factor in illness among many; a specific infection might be the cause. Factors combine, whereas a cause acts more directly.

In everyday use, people speak of contributing factors, deciding or key factors, risk factors, and external or internal factors. Fields have their own: economic factors, environmental factors, and the human factor. Each names something that helps shape an outcome. Note that factor also has a separate mathematical meaning.

Cost is often a deciding factor in a purchase, and weather can be a factor in a game's outcome. In health, smoking is a well-known risk factor for disease. In each case the factor is one influence among several that together shape the final result.

Yes. Separately from the sense of a contributing influence, a factor in mathematics is a number or quantity that divides another exactly, leaving no remainder. For example, 2 and 3 are factors of 6. Context makes clear which meaning is intended.