“De factor” or “de facto”: which is correct?
de facto
The short answer
De facto is the correct term, used to describe something that exists in reality but not officially established by law.
Spelling error
Why people get it wrong
The phrase de factor is a misspelling of the Latin term de facto, which means in fact or in reality and is often used in legal and formal contexts to refer to situations that exist in fact, even if not legally recognized. People may mistakenly write de factor due to a misunderstanding or mishearing of the correct term.
Examples with de facto
- The country has a de facto government, although it lacks official recognition.
- She became the de facto leader of the group due to her experience and influence.
- English serves as the de facto language of communication in many international settings.
Quick check
The country has a government, although it lacks official recognition.
De facto is the correct term, used to describe something that exists in reality but not officially established by law.
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