factor
FAK-tuh
Factor (noun) means one of several things that contributes to or influences a result. Example: “Weather was an important factor in our decision to stay home.”
noun
1
One of several things that contributes to or influences a result.
"Weather was an important factor in our decision to stay home."
"Cost was the deciding factor in choosing a supplier."
"Genetics is just one factor in determining health outcomes."
2
A number that divides evenly into another number.
"Seven is a factor of twenty-one because it divides into it exactly."
"Can you list every factor of the number twenty-four?"
"3 and 4 are both factors of 12."
verb
1
To rewrite a mathematical expression as a product of simpler terms, or to find the numbers that divide it evenly.
"Students learned to factor the expression into two simpler brackets."
"If you factor 15, you get 3 and 5 as its parts."
"Factor the equation before trying to solve it."
2
To take something into account when making a decision.
"We should factor in traffic when planning our journey to the airport."
"The manager factored the extra holiday cover into next month's schedule."
"Make sure you factor in the delivery time."
How to use factor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething 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.
Common pairings
a key factor
factor in
risk factor
common factor
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Word forms
- Plural
- factors
- Third person singular
- factors
- Past tense
- factored
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Weather was an important _____ in our decision to stay home.
Etymology
From Latin factor, "a doer or maker," from facere, "to do."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for factor
See all rhymes for factor →Frequently asked questions
What does “factor” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “factor”?
“Factor” is pronounced FAK-tuh (/ˈfæk.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “factor” in a sentence?
Here is “factor” used in a sentence: “Cost was the deciding factor in choosing a supplier.”
What part of speech is “factor”?
Depending on how it is used, “factor” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “factor” come from?
The word “factor” comes from Latin. From Latin factor, "a doer or maker," from facere, "to do.".
Is “factor” a common word?
“Factor” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “factor” have?
“Factor” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: one of several things that contributes to or influences a result.
What is the difference between a factor and a cause?
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.
What are the types of factor?
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.
What is an example of a factor?
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.
Does factor have a mathematical meaning too?
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.
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