Based on or consisting of facts; accurate and truthful rather than interpretive or emotional. Concerned with what actually occurred or exists.
From Latin 'factum' meaning something done or made, past participle of 'facere' to make or do. Suffix '-ual' forms adjectives. Term emerged in 17th century as scientific method emphasized empirical observation over speculation.
In our era of 'alternative facts' and information overload, distinguishing factual from interpretive content has become a crucial skill. What seems factual often contains subtle biases based on what facts are selected and how they're presented.
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