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A fact is something that has really occurred or is actually the case. The usual test for a statement of fact is verifiability—that is, whether it can be demonstrated to correspond to experience. Standard reference works are often used to check facts. Scientific facts are verified by repeatable careful observation or measurement (by experiments or other means). == Etymology and usage == The word fact derives from the Latin ''factum'', and was first used in English with the same meaning: ''a thing done or performed'', a meaning now obsolete.〔"Fact". OED_2d_Ed_1989, (but note the conventional uses: ''after the fact'' and ''before the fact'').〕 The common usage of "something that has really occurred or is the case" dates from the middle of the sixteenth century.〔"Fact" (1a). OED_2d_Ed_1989 Joye ''Exp. Dan.'' xi. Z vij b, ''Let emprours and kinges know this godly kynges fact. 1545''〕 Fact is sometimes used synonymously with ''truth'', as distinct from opinions, falsehoods, or matters of taste. This use is found in such phrases as, "''It is a fact that the cup is blue"'' or "''Matter of fact"'',〔"Fact" (4a) OED_2d_Ed_1989〕 and "... not history, nor fact, but imagination." Filmmaker Werner Herzog distinguishes clearly between the two, claiming that "Fact creates norms, and truth illumination." Fact also indicates a ''matter under discussion'' deemed to be true or correct, such as to emphasize a point or prove a disputed issue; (e.g., "... the ''fact'' of the matter is ...").〔"Fact" (6c). OED_2d_Ed_1989〕〔(See also "Matter" (2,6). Compact_OED)〕 Alternatively, ''fact'' may also indicate an ''allegation or stipulation'' of something that may or may not be a ''true fact'',〔"Fact" (5). OED_2d_Ed_1989〕 (e.g., "the author's facts are not trustworthy"). This alternate usage, although contested by some, has a long history in standard English.〔According to the ''American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language'', "Fact has a long history of usage in the sense 'allegation'" AHD_4th_Ed. The OED dates this use to 1729.〕 Fact may also indicate findings derived through a ''process of evaluation'', including review of testimony, direct observation, or otherwise; as distinguishable from matters of inference or speculation.〔"Fact" (6a). OED_2d_Ed_1989〕 This use is reflected in the terms "fact-find" and "fact-finder" (e.g., "set up a fact-finding commission").〔"Fact" (8). OED_2d_Ed_1989〕 Facts may be checked by reason, experiment, personal experience, or may be argued from authority. Roger Bacon wrote "If in other sciences we should arrive at certainty without doubt and truth without error, it behooves us to place the foundations of knowledge in mathematics."〔Roger Bacon, translated by Robert Burke ''Opus Majus'', Book I, Chapter 2.〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「fact」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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