Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
de facto
adverb / adjective
/deɪ ˈfæktoʊ/
Definition
In practice or in fact, whether by right or not.
Examples
- He is the de facto leader of the group, even though he holds no official title.
- The country is a de facto democracy, despite its authoritarian government.
Meaning
The term refers to a state of affairs that is true in fact, but that is not officially sanctioned.
Synonyms
- in practice
- effectively
- actual
