Short for 'de facto,' meaning existing in fact though not necessarily by legal right. Used to describe something that exists in reality regardless of official recognition.
From Latin 'de facto' meaning 'from the fact' or 'in fact,' composed of 'de' (from) and 'factum' (something done or made). Used in English legal contexts since the 17th century to distinguish actual circumstances from legal or theoretical ones.
The phrase 'de facto' versus 'de jure' (by law) captures one of law's greatest challenges—the gap between how things actually work and how they're supposed to work. This Latin distinction is still crucial in international relations, where de facto governments may rule without de jure recognition.
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