de facto
Americanadverb
-
in fact; in reality: They are forbidden from leaving the camp, thereby being de facto in a state of detention.
Although his title was prime minister, he was de facto president of the country.
They are forbidden from leaving the camp, thereby being de facto in a state of detention.
-
actually existing, especially when without lawful authority (de jure ).
He led efforts to reduce de facto segregation in the city's public schools.
noun
adverb
adjective
noun
Etymology
Origin of de facto
First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin dē factō literally, “from the fact”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman - who became crown prince in 2017 - has changed the country profoundly over the past few years, loosening social restrictions while simultaneously silencing criticism.
From BBC
UN experts have previously accused it of having "de facto control" of the rebel force's operations.
From BBC
As the longtime chief of the largest U.S. lender, Dimon has cultivated a reputation as a de facto spokesman for the banking industry’s interests.
From Barron's
Being a de facto enemy of the state quickly teaches you where is it safe to be yourself, who are your allies, when to lie low — and when to fight back.
From Los Angeles Times
Jay, with his bouffant curly hair and preternatural ability to remember the smallest details, became a de facto musical matchmaker.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
