adverb
in reality or actuality (Freq. 4)
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in fact, it was a wonder anyone survived
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painters who are in fact anything but unsophisticated
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as a matter of fact, he is several inches taller than his father
• Syn: ↑in fact, ↑in point of fact
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in reality (used esp. to correct a falsehood or misunderstanding)
as a matter of fact, I was talking to him this afternoon
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as a matter of fact
— used to stress the truth of a statement
“Do you know her personally?” “As a matter of fact, I do.”
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Main Entry: ↑fact
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as a matter of fact — see ↑fact
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Main Entry: ↑matter
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as a matter of ˈfact idiom
1. used to add a comment on sth that you have just said, usually adding sth that you think the other person will be interested in
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It's a nice place. We've stayed there ourselves, as a matter of fact.
2. used to disagree with sth that sb has just said
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‘I suppose you'll be leaving soon, then?’ ‘No, as a matter of fact I'll be staying for another two years.’
Useful english dictionary. 2012.