factual
The word "factual" is used to describe information that can be proven true. It is the opposite of "fictional" or "speculative." When describing a person's tone or a piece of writing, "factual" can sometimes imply that the style is 'dry' or boring because it lacks emotion or opinion.
💬Casual Conversation
🎬Tuesday afternoon; Jessica is in a high-stakes board meeting while Mr. Sterling is at a meditation retreat.
Mr. Sterling
The quarterly report feels too rigid. Give it more soul.
Jessica
Sir, we can't wing it. The auditors need a factual account of the spend.
💡
The tension arises from Mr. Sterling's desire for abstract 'soul' versus Jessica's anxiety over compliance. She uses the phrasal verb 'wing it' (to improvise without preparation) to emphasize that the report must be strictly based on evidence ('factual') to satisfy auditors.
Meanings
adjective
Concerned with or based on facts; not imaginary or speculative.
"The witness provided a factual account of the events leading up to the accident."
adjective
Giving or containing only the facts; devoid of emotion or interpretation.
"The report was written in a dry, factual style that avoided any bias."