De Facto vs De Jure: What’s the Difference?
The difference at a glance
De facto describes what is happening in reality or in practice, regardless of the official rules. De jure refers to what is officially sanctioned or legally required. Use de facto to describe the actual state of affairs, and de jure to describe the legal standing.
Example sentences are illustrative learning examples, not verified quotations.
What does De Facto mean?
adjective / adverb · /deɪ ˈfæk.toʊ/
Existing in reality or in practice, regardless of whether it is officially or legally recognised. The de facto situation is what actually exists, as opposed to the de jure situation, which is what the law says should exist.
Explore De FactoDe Facto in a sentence
She was the de facto leader of the organisation long before the title caught up.
The ceasefire became a de facto border, even without formal recognition.
What does De Jure mean?
adjective / adverb · /deɪ ˈdʒʊər.eɪ/
According to law — the officially, legally recognised state of affairs, as opposed to de facto (what actually exists in practice). De jure recognition is formal and legal; de facto recognition is practical and real.
Explore De JureDe Jure in a sentence
The company remained the de jure owner long after de facto control had passed to creditors.
Apartheid ended de jure in 1994; its de facto effects persisted far longer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between De Facto and De Jure?
De facto describes what is happening in reality or in practice, regardless of the official rules. De jure refers to what is officially sanctioned or legally required. Use de facto to describe the actual state of affairs, and de jure to describe the legal standing.
What does De Facto mean?
Existing in reality or in practice, regardless of whether it is officially or legally recognised. The de facto situation is what actually exists, as opposed to the de jure situation, which is what the law says should exist.
What does De Jure mean?
According to law — the officially, legally recognised state of affairs, as opposed to de facto (what actually exists in practice). De jure recognition is formal and legal; de facto recognition is practical and real.