"De facto" is a Latin term meaning "in fact" or "in practice," used to describe a situation that exists in reality, even if it is not officially recognized. For example, a couple living together as partners without a legal marriage can be considered a de facto relationship. In legal contexts, "de facto" often refers to practices or conditions that are accepted as true or valid, despite lacking formal acknowledgment. For instance, a de facto government may operate and exert control over a region without being officially sanctioned by other nations or recognized by international law.