De facto Common

De facto has 5 different meanings across 2 categories:

Definitions

Noun

A legally undeclared spouse; a partner in a spousal relationship which is not officially declared as a marriage, comparable to a common law husband or wife.

Adjective

existing in fact whether with lawful authority or not

"de facto segregation is as real as segregation imposed by law"

"a de facto state of war"

de facto

In fact or in practice; in actual use or existence, regardless of official or legal status. (Often opposed to de jure.)

Adverb

in reality or fact

"the result was, de facto, a one-party system"

de facto

In practice; in actual use or existence, regardless of official or legal status.

Example Sentences

"de facto segregation is as real as segregation imposed by law" adjective

"a de facto state of war" adjective

"the result was, de facto, a one-party system" adverb