Fact

n. 1 thing that is known to exist or to be true. 2 (usu. in pl.) item of verified information. 3 truth, reality. 4 thing assumed as the basis for argument. before (or after) the fact before (or after) the committing of a crime. in (or in point of) fact 1 in reality. 2 in short. [Latin factum from facia do]