de facto
The term "de facto" describes a situation that exists in reality, even if it lacks official or legal recognition.
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🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(common)Existing in reality, regardless of official or legal status.
Example
- She is the de facto leader of the group, even though she holds no official title.
C1Law
(technical)Describing a situation or practice that exists in reality, even if not legally recognized.
Example
- The de facto government took control after the coup, despite lacking legal legitimacy.
B2Sociology
(informal, regional)Referring to a long-term domestic partner without formal marriage recognition.
Example
- In Australia, many couples live in de facto relationships without getting married.
C1Business
(technical)Describing a company that dominates the market in practice, even if not legally recognized as a monopoly.
Example
- Despite the presence of other firms, the company is the de facto monopoly in the industry.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "de facto":
de jureipso factoin factin effectmatter of factper seex facieprima faciead hocfor a factex officiopro forma