What does the term 'de facto' mean?

The term 'de facto' is a Latin phrase that translates to "in fact" or "in deed." It refers to a state of affairs that is true in practice but not officially sanctioned or recognized. This concept is often used in legal and academic contexts to describe situations that exist or are applied in reality, despite not being established by formal law or regulation.

For instance, you might refer to a 'de facto' standard in technology, which indicates that while it may not be officially recognized as a standard, it is widely used and accepted in practice. Understanding the nuance of 'de facto' helps clarify various real-world scenarios where distinctions between what is formally recognized and what actually occurs are critical.

The other options describe different ideas or concepts. "By law" indicates a legal requirement or binding provision. "In theory" suggests an idea that may not hold up in practice, while "formally recognized" implies an authorized status that 'de facto' situations might lack. Thus, the correct choice highlights the reality of circumstances as they exist, independent of their formal recognition.