Fact vs. Example — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 25, 2024
Fact refers to a reality that can be proven, while an example is an illustration or instance used to explain or support a fact.
Difference Between Fact and Example
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A fact is a piece of information confirmed to be true based on evidence or reality, whereas an example serves to clarify, illustrate, or provide evidence for a fact or statement.
Facts are often used in arguments and decision-making because they provide a solid foundation of truth, while examples are used to simplify complex ideas, making them easier to understand.
In the context of teaching or communication, facts are presented to inform or educate, on the other hand, examples are used to enhance comprehension or relate facts to real-life scenarios.
When writing or speaking, facts provide credibility and authority to the content, whereas examples are utilized to engage the audience, making abstract concepts more tangible.
In scientific and academic fields, facts are crucial for building knowledge and theories; examples, however, are often used in these fields to demonstrate theories in practice or to visualize data.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A statement that can be proven true or exists actually.
An instance that illustrates or supports a concept.
Purpose
To provide evidence or verify truth.
To explain, illustrate, or simplify.
Usage in Communication
Used to assert truth and inform.
Used to make information relatable and understandable.
Impact
Provides credibility and supports conclusions.
Enhances understanding and engagement.
Typical Contexts
Academic research, journalism, legal matters.
Educational material, speeches, everyday explanation.
Compare with Definitions
Fact
A fact is something that is true and can be verified.
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
Example
An example is a specific case used to illustrate a principle.
A golden retriever is an example of a dog breed.
Fact
Facts are indisputable truths.
The Earth orbits the sun.
Example
Examples can clarify abstract concepts.
For instance, wearing a helmet is an example of a safety precaution.
Fact
Facts can be statistically proven.
The global human population exceeds 7 billion.
Example
Literary examples help explain themes.
Romeo and Juliet is an example of a tragedy.
Fact
Historical events are facts.
World War II ended in 1945.
Example
Examples are often used in teaching.
Using a globe to show continents is an example of visual learning.
Fact
Scientific principles are often stated as facts.
Energy cannot be created or destroyed.
Example
Examples in speeches make arguments relatable.
“Imagine a world where…” is a common introductory example.
Fact
A fact is an occurrence in the real world. The usual test for a statement of fact is verifiability—that is whether it can be demonstrated to correspond to experience.
Example
A thing characteristic of its kind or illustrating a general rule
Advertising provides a good example of an industry where dreams have faded
Fact
A thing that is known or proved to be true
The most commonly known fact about hedgehogs is that they have fleas
He ignores some historical and economic facts
A body of fact
Example
A person or thing regarded in terms of their fitness to be imitated
It is important that parents should set an example
He followed his brother's example and deserted his family
Fact
Knowledge or information based on real occurrences
An account based on fact.
A blur of fact and fancy.
Example
Be illustrated or exemplified
The extent of Allied naval support is exampled by the navigational specialists provided
Fact
Something demonstrated to exist or known to have existed
Genetic engineering is now a fact. That Chaucer was a real person is an undisputed fact.
Example
One that is representative of a group as a whole
The squirrel, an example of a rodent.
Introduced each new word with examples of its use.
Fact
A real occurrence; an event
Had to prove the facts of the case.
Example
One serving as a pattern of a specific kind
Set a good example by arriving on time.
Fact
Something believed to be true or real
A document laced with mistaken facts.
Example
A similar case that constitutes a model or precedent
A unique episode, without example in maritime history.
Fact
A thing that has been done, especially a crime
An accessory before the fact.
Example
A punishment given as a warning or deterrent
Saw the boy's suspension as an example to all students considering breaking the rules.
Fact
(Law) A conclusion drawn by a judge or jury from the evidence in a case
A finding of fact.
Example
One that has been given such a punishment
Made an example of the offender.
Fact
Something actual as opposed to invented.
In this story, the Gettysburg Address is a fact, but the rest is fiction.
Example
A problem or exercise used to illustrate a principle or method.
Fact
Something which is real.
Gravity is a fact, not a theory.
Example
Something that is representative of all such things in a group.
Fact
Something concrete used as a basis for further interpretation.
Let's look at the facts of the case before deciding.
Example
Something that serves to illustrate or explain a rule.
Fact
An objective consensus on a fundamental reality that has been agreed upon by a substantial number of experts.
There is no doubting the fact that the Earth orbits the Sun.
Example
Something that serves as a pattern of behaviour to be imitated (a good example) or not to be imitated (a bad example).
Nelson Mandela was an example for many to follow.
Fact
Information about a particular subject, especially actual conditions and/or circumstances.
The facts about space travel.
Example
A person punished as a warning to others.
Fact
(databases) An individual value or measurement at the lowest level of granularity in a data warehouse.
Example
A parallel or closely similar case, especially when serving as a precedent or model.
Fact
(archaic) Action; the realm of action.
Example
An instance (as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate the rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of the rule.
Fact
A wrongful or criminal deed.
He had become an accessory after the fact.
Example
To be illustrated or exemplified (by). en
Fact
(obsolete) A feat or meritorious deed.
Example
One or a portion taken to show the character or quality of the whole; a sample; a specimen.
Fact
Used before making a statement to introduce it as a trustworthy one.
Example
That which is to be followed or imitated as a model; a pattern or copy.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
I gave, thou sayest, the example; I led the way.
Fact
A doing, making, or preparing.
A project for the fact and vendingOf a new kind of fucus, paint for ladies.
Example
That which resembles or corresponds with something else; a precedent; a model.
Such temperate order in so fierce a causeDoth want example.
Fact
An effect produced or achieved; anything done or that comes to pass; an act; an event; a circumstance.
What might instigate him to this devilish fact, I am not able to conjecture.
He who most excels in fact of arms.
Example
That which is to be avoided; one selected for punishment and to serve as a warning; a warning.
Hang him; he'll be made an example.
Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Fact
Reality; actuality; truth; as, he, in fact, excelled all the rest; the fact is, he was beaten.
Example
An instance serving for illustration of a rule or precept, especially a problem to be solved, or a case to be determined, as an exercise in the application of the rules of any study or branch of science; as, in trigonometry and grammar, the principles and rules are illustrated by examples.
Fact
The assertion or statement of a thing done or existing; sometimes, even when false, improperly put, by a transfer of meaning, for the thing done, or supposed to be done; a thing supposed or asserted to be done; as, history abounds with false facts.
I do not grant the fact.
This reasoning is founded upon a fact which is not true.
Example
To set an example for; to give a precedent for; to exemplify; to give an instance of; to instance.
Burke devoted himself to this duty with a fervid assiduity that has not often been exampled, and has never been surpassed.
Fact
A piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred;
First you must collect all the facts of the case
Example
An item of information that is representative of a type;
This patient provides a typical example of the syndrome
There is an example on page 10
Fact
A statement or assertion of verified information about something that is the case or has happened;
He supported his argument with an impressive array of facts
Example
A representative form or pattern;
I profited from his example
Fact
An event known to have happened or something known to have existed;
Your fears have no basis in fact
How much of the story is fact and how much fiction is hard to tell
Example
Something to be imitated;
An exemplar of success
A model of clarity
He is the very model of a modern major general
Fact
A concept whose truth can be proved;
Scientific hypotheses are not facts
Example
Punishment intended as a warning to others;
They decided to make an example of him
Example
An occurrence of something;
It was a case of bad judgment
Another instance occurred yesterday
But there is always the famous example of the Smiths
Example
A task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding;
You must work the examples at the end of each chapter in the textbook
Common Curiosities
Can an example become a fact?
An example itself is not a fact, but it can be used to support a factual statement.
What is a fact?
A fact is a statement that can be proven true based on evidence.
What is an example?
An example is an instance used to explain, represent, or illustrate a rule or a fact.
How does a fact differ from an opinion?
A fact is objective and verifiable, while an opinion is subjective and based on personal beliefs.
Why are examples important in communication?
Examples make complex information more understandable and relatable.
How do facts contribute to knowledge?
Facts form the foundation of knowledge by providing verified information.
How can one verify a fact?
Facts can be verified through research, experimentation, or reliable documentation.
Can a fact change over time?
A fact remains constant unless new evidence proves it otherwise.
What makes a good example?
A good example is relevant, easy to understand, and effectively illustrates the point being made.
Are all facts universally true?
Yes, facts are true regardless of beliefs or opinions.
What role do examples play in learning?
Examples help in visualizing and understanding theoretical concepts practically.
Is there a difference between examples and evidence?
Examples illustrate a point, while evidence provides proof.
How are examples used in academic writing?
In academic writing, examples are used to support claims and add clarity to arguments.
What is the relationship between facts and truth?
Facts are statements that align with reality and truth.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Constrict vs. Contract
Next Comparison
Infantilise vs. InfantilizeAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
