Words / B2

FAKCH-oo-uh-l/ˈfæktʃuəl/

Factual means based on facts, not opinion or fiction: a factual account; factual accuracy. Fact is the noun (already in the dictionary). Fictional is an opposite for stories. Keep methods factual. Mix-up: actual means real/current, not “full of facts”.

Meaning

Based on facts rather than opinion or fiction.

Examples

• “Keep the methods paragraph factual; save argument for the discussion.”
• “The documentary claimed to be factual, which markers still check against sources.”

Good to know

a factual error / account / question. Noun: fact. Opposite (stories): fictional. Trap: actual ≠ factual. Exam papers: factual recall vs evaluation.

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