adjective
B2
Upper-Intermediate
de facto
day FAK-toh
De facto (adjective) means existing or holding power in reality, whether or not officially recognised or legally established. Example: “The general became the country's de facto ruler months before the election.”
adjective
1
Existing or holding power in reality, whether or not officially recognised or legally established.
"The general became the country's de facto ruler months before the election."
"English is the de facto language of international aviation."
adverb
1
In actual fact, as things really stand rather than as the law or the paperwork says.
"The border has de facto ceased to exist."
How to use de facto
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTrue in practice, even if it is not official.
When to use it
Formal to neutral; very common in law, politics and journalism.
Memory tip
Before a noun it works as an adjective (the de facto capital); after a verb it works as an adverb (they de facto control the region).
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
de jure
ipso facto
Common pairings
de facto leader
de facto standard
de facto control
de facto recognition
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The general became the country's _____ ruler months before the election.
Etymology
From Latin de facto, literally 'from the fact' or 'from the deed'.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
de jure
official
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between de facto and de jure?
De facto describes what is actually the case; de jure describes what is the case according to law. A de facto leader really runs the country; a de jure leader holds the legal title, even if they have no real power.
Does de facto need a hyphen or italics?
No hyphen is needed, and it is now common enough in English that italics are optional. Write a de facto standard, not a de-facto standard.
What is a de facto relationship?
In Australian and New Zealand law it is a couple living together as partners without being married. Many legal rights that apply to married couples also apply to de facto partners.
What is the meaning of de facto?
"de facto" (adjective) means existing or holding power in reality, whether or not officially recognised or legally established.
