De Facto
/ˌdiː ˈfæk.toʊ/
Definitions
- (adj.) Existing in fact or in practice but not officially recognized by law.
He was the de facto leader of the organization despite not holding the official title.
- (adv.) In practice or actuality, though not officially established.
The company was de facto controlled by the majority shareholder.
Commentary
Use 'de facto' to distinguish actual conditions from legally recognized ones, often in contexts of authority or status.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.