Skip to main content

in fact — used to emphasize a statement, especially one that is the opposite of what has just been mentioned

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: used to emphasize a statement, especially one that is the opposite of what has just been mentioned

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪn fækt/

Example Sentences

  • He looks scary, but in fact he's afraid of butterflies.
  • I thought I failed the test, but in fact I got the highest score.
  • The restaurant looks expensive, but in fact the prices are very reasonable.

in fact

ADVERB

[/ɪn fækt/]

used to emphasize a statement, especially one that is the opposite of what has just been mentioned

While everyone thought he was a shy beginner, in fact, he was a professional martial arts master.
💡 Concept

While everyone thought he was a shy beginner, in fact, he was a professional martial arts master.

IN (inside) + FACT (truth) — by looking deep IN (inside) the box to find the real FACT (truth), he proved that the rumor was in fact true.
🧠 Mnemonic

IN (inside) + FACT (truth) — by looking deep IN (inside) the box to find the real FACT (truth), he proved that the rumor was in fact true.

After losing all contact, he changed his act and became, in fact, a completely different person.
🎵 Rhyme

After losing all contact, he changed his act and became, in fact, a completely different person.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪn fækt/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪn fækt/

🌳Etymology

Origin

From Latin 'in' (in) and 'factum' (deed, thing done), literally meaning 'in the deed' or 'in reality'. The phrase evolved through Old French and Middle English to emphasize actual facts versus assumptions.

Breakdown

in (in, within) + fact (from Latin factum, past participle of facere 'to do/make') = in fact (in reality, as a matter of fact)

🎵Rhyme

compact
impact
contact

🔗Collocations

in fact
quite the opposite, in fact
in actual fact
as a matter of fact
in fact, however

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“He looks scary, but in fact he's afraid of butterflies.”

“I thought I failed the test, but in fact I got the highest score.”

“The restaurant looks expensive, but in fact the prices are very reasonable.”

😄 Fun example

“My cat appears lazy, but in fact she's plotting world domination.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.