De facto

Meaning

The idiom "de facto" means "in practice or actuality" or "in effect, although not officially recognized." It refers to a situation where something is happening or being done even though it may not be legally binding or official.

Usage

• The government's decision to increase taxes without going through the proper legislative process has been challenged by human rights groups as a violation of the principle of de facto equality before the law.
• Despite not being married, many couples live together and raise children as if they were a family, creating a de facto partnership that may be recognized by society but not legally.
• The company's decision to dismiss all employees without notice has been deemed a de facto liquidation of the business, leaving many workers out of work and struggling to make ends meet.
• The new CEO's policies have been seen as a de facto takeover of the company, with many employees feeling that their jobs are at risk.
• While some protesters claim to be fighting for democracy and human rights, others see them as nothing more than thugs and anarchists, undermining the rule of law and creating a de facto state of chaos in the city.

Roots and History

The idiom "de facto" is derived from Latin and means "in fact or reality." It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe situations that are happening or being done even though they may not be legally binding or official. Over time, the idiom has come to be associated with situations where there is a power imbalance or unequal distribution of resources.

Synonyms in English

• In practice
• Actually
• Effectively
• As if
• As though

Synonyms in other languages

• In práctica: Spanish
• À l'état de fait: French
• En práctica: Spanish (same as above)
• In praksa: Croatian
• 實際的: Chinese

Similar Idioms

• dog days of summer

• dead and buried

• deja vu