Definition of factual

The word "factual" originated in the late 19th century, specifically in the mid-1880s. Its roots lie in the English word "fact," which comes from the Latin word "factum," meaning "something done" or "something made." In the late 19th century, the word "factual" began appearing in printed English as a way to denote information that was based on actual events or observations, as opposed to assumptions or opinions. The emergence of this word coincided with the growing popularity of scientific and empirical research, which emphasized the importance of providing evidence and proof to back up claims. The term "f actual" became more widely used in the early 20th century, particularly in the context of journalism, where it was used to denote news reports that were grounded in verifiable facts. Over time, the usage of "factual" has become more varied and flexible, and it is now used in a range of contexts, including academic writing, scientific communication, and public discourse. Its basic meaning, however, remains consistent: factual refers to information that is based on evidence and can be independently verified, as opposed to information that is speculative, hypothetical, or opinionated.