de facto

B2
Pronunciation
/dɪˈfæktəʊ/
/dɪˈfæktoʊ/
Noun
1 definition(s)
1 Definition

A legally undeclared spouse; a partner in a spousal relationship which is not officially declared as a marriage, comparable to a common law husband or wife.

Adjective
1 definition(s)
1 Definition

In fact or in practice; in actual use or existence, regardless of official or legal status. (Often opposed to de jure.)

Example Sentences
  • Although the United States currently has no official language, it is largely monolingual with English being the de facto national language.
Adverb
1 definition(s)
1 Definition

(modal) In practice; in actual use or existence, regardless of official or legal status.