2 N‑COUNT [oft n N , N to-inf] A facility is something such as an additional service provided by an organization or an extra feature on a machine which is useful but not essential. □ It is very useful to have an overdraft facility.
fac|ing /fe I s I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Facing is fabric which is stitched inside the edges of a piece of clothing in order to make them look neat and strengthen them.
fac|simi|le /fæks I m I li/ (facsimiles ) N‑COUNT [N n] A facsimile of something is a copy or imitation of it. [FORMAL ] □ …a facsimile edition of Beethoven's musical manuscripts.
fact ◆◆◆ /fæ kt/ (facts )
1 PHRASE You use the fact that after some verbs or prepositions, especially in expressions such as in view of the fact that , apart from the fact that , and despite the fact that , to link the verb or preposition with a clause. □ His chances do not seem good in view of the fact that the Chief Prosecutor has already voiced his public disapproval. □ We have to lie and hide the fact that I have an illness.
2 PHRASE You use the fact that instead of a simple that-clause either for emphasis or because the clause is the subject of your sentence. □ The fact that he had left proved to me that everything he'd said was true.
3 PHRASE You use in fact , in actual fact , or in point of fact to indicate that you are giving more detailed information about what you have just said. □ We've had a pretty bad time. In fact, we very nearly split up this time. □ When he realised what he had done, he apologised. In actual fact he wrote me a note.
4 PHRASE You use in fact , in actual fact , or in point of fact to introduce or draw attention to a comment that modifies, contradicts, or contrasts with a previous statement. □ That sounds rather simple, but in fact it's very difficult. □ Why had she ever trusted him? In point of fact she never had, she reminded herself.
5 N‑VAR When you refer to something as a fact or as fact , you mean that you think it is true or correct. □ …a statement of verifiable historical fact. □ How much was fact and how much fancy no one knew.
6 N‑COUNT Facts are pieces of information that can be discovered. □ There is so much information you can almost effortlessly find the facts for yourself. □ His opponent swamped him with facts and figures. □ The lorries always left at night when there were few witnesses around to record the fact.
7 PHRASE You use as a matter of fact to introduce a statement that gives more details about what has just been said, or an explanation of it, or something that contrasts with it. □ It's not that difficult. As a matter of fact, it's quite easy. □ 'I guess you haven't eaten yet.'—'As a matter of fact, I have,' said Hunter.
8 PHRASE If you say that you know something for a fact , you are emphasizing that you are completely certain that it is true. [EMPHASIS ] □ I know for a fact that Graham has kept in close touch with Alan.
9 PHRASE You use the fact is or the fact of the matter is to introduce and draw attention to a summary or statement of the most important point about what you have been saying. □ The fact is blindness hadn't stopped the children doing many of the things that sighted children enjoy. □ The fact of the matter is that student finances are stretched. SYNONYMS fact NOUN 5
truth: Is it possible to separate truth from fiction?
reality: Fiction and reality were increasingly blurred.
certainty: There are no certainties in modern Europe.
fa ct-finding ADJ [ADJ n] A fact-finding mission or visit is one whose purpose is to get information about a particular situation, especially for an official group. □ A U.N. fact-finding mission is on its way to the region.
fac|tion ◆◇◇ /fæ kʃ ə n/ (factions )
1 N‑COUNT A faction is an organized group of people within a larger group, which opposes some of the ideas of the larger group and fights for its own ideas. □ A peace agreement will be signed by the leaders of the country's warring factions.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Faction is also used to describe argument and disagreement within a group of people. □ Faction and self-interest appear to be the norm. COLLOCATIONS faction NOUN 1
noun + faction : rebel, rival; army, guerrilla
adjective + faction : competing, feuding, opposing, warring; armed, militant; breakaway, dominant, hardline, powerful
verb + faction : head, lead; unite
fac|tion|al /fæ kʃən ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Factional arguments or disputes involve two or more small groups from within a larger group. □ …factional disputes between the various groups that make up the leadership.
fac|tion|al|ism /fæ kʃənəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Factionalism refers to arguments or disputes between two or more small groups from within a larger group. □ There has been a substantial amount of factionalism within the movement.
fa ct of li fe (facts of life )
1 N‑COUNT You say that something which is not pleasant is a fact of life when there is nothing you can do to change it so you must accept it. □ Stress is a fact of life from time to time for all of us.
2 N‑PLURAL If you tell a child about the facts of life , you tell him or her about sexual intercourse and how babies are born. □ There comes a time when children need to know more than the basic facts of life.
fac|tor ◆◆◇ /fæ ktə r / (factors , factoring , factored )
1 N‑COUNT A factor is one of the things that affects an event, decision, or situation. □ [+ in ] Physical activity is an important factor in maintaining fitness.