1.
de facto, in effect, virtually, practically
In reality or practice, even if not officially or formally recognized. Used to describe situations where the actual state of affairs differs from the nominal or legal status.
それは事実上の独占だ。
That is a de facto monopoly.
交渉は事実上決裂した。
The negotiations have effectively broken down.
社長は名前だけで、事実上会社を動かしているのは副社長だ。
The president is in name only; the one actually running the company is the vice president.
USAGE: 事実上 is used adverbially to modify verbs and nouns. It emphasizes the gap between official status and actual reality.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 事実上の独占 (de facto monopoly)
- 事実上の支配 (de facto control)
- 事実上不可能 (virtually impossible)
- 事実上決定した (effectively decided)
This word is common in news reporting, political commentary, and formal writing.