De facto

De facto (/deɪ ˈfæktoʊ, di -, də -/, day FAK-toh, dee -⁠, də -⁠;^[1] Latin: [deː ˈfaktoː] ^ⓘ; lit. 'in fact') describes practices that exist in reality, regardless of whether they are officially recognized by laws or other formal norms.^[2][3] It is commonly used to refer to what happens in practice, in contrast with de jure ('by law'). The distinction between the two is significant in law, governance, language, standards, and social relationships, influencing policies, rights, and international relations.

De facto situations arise in many areas where practical realities differ from legal frameworks, shaping how institutions and societies function in practice, and the term is used to describe concepts that have, or could have, both a declared official form as well as an unofficial functioning form. For example, a de facto government holds power without legal recognition, a de facto standard is widely adopted in a market despite a lack of formal agreement, and a de facto language is widely spoken even if it lacks official status.