What Does De-facto Mean?

The word 'de facto' has its origin in Latin and is taken from the word dē factō. Dē is used to mean from or according to and 'factō' (factum) means fact. De facto is used as an adverb or an adjective. It is used to mean 'in reality or fact'. It could also denote the word 'actually'. As an adjective de facto means actual. For Example: de facto segregation. This example indicates that the segregation that actually happened or took place.

When someone or something is de facto, that person or thing exercises his power or rule without being officially or legally appointed or elected. For example: a de facto government. It describes the government which is not in power and is not established. Still, this government carries out its functions. Another example: the de facto member of the council. This sentence indicates that the person referred here is not appointed officially, but continues to be in power.