De-facto meaning

dĭ făktō, dā

The definition of de facto is something real, but not formally accepted.

An example of something de facto is a rule that people always follow even though it is not an official procedure, a defacto procedure.

An example of something de facto is a person who functions as a parent even though they are not related to the child, a defactor parent.

adjective

Existing in actuality, especially when contrary to or not established by law.

De facto segregation; a de facto government.

adjective

In fact. Description of a person or action that exists for all intentions and purposes, but which lacks official legitimacy.

adjective

Existing or being such in actual fact or for all practical purposes, though not by legal establishment, official recognition, etc.

A de facto government.

noun

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

Although the United States currently has no official language, it is largely monolingual with English being the de facto national language.

adjective

(legally undeclared spouse): common law wife.

hyponyms

De facto is defined as actually.

An example of de facto used as an adverb is in the phrase "de facto listening" which means actually listening.

adverb

From Latin, literally from what is done, meaning in fact. See also standard.

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

adverb

(Australia, New Zealand) A legally undeclared spouse.

noun

Origin of de-facto

Latin dē factō dē from, according to factō ablative of factum fact

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Latin de facto, de (“from”) + ablative of factum (“fact, deed, act”)

From Wiktionary