Generally, a fact is defined as something that is the case, something that actually exists, or something that can be verified according to an established standard of evaluation.Chamber's Dictionary, ninth edition Concise OED definition There is a range of other uses, depending on the context. People are interested in facts because of their relation to truth. Often a fact will be claimed in argument under the implied authority of a specific pedagogy, such as scientific facts or historical facts. Dispute may arise in defining the standard upon which the authority of the fact rests. Confounding this, Rhetorical use of the term often does not disclose from where the authority originates.
Etymology and usage
The word fact derives from the Latin Factum, and was first used in English with the same meaning: "a thing done or performed", a use that is now obsolete."Fact". OED_2d_Ed_1989, (but note the conventional uses: after the fact and before the fact).The common usage, "something that ha
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FACT