De facto means a state of affairs that is true in fact,
but that is not officially sanctioned.
Adverb
In fact, whether by right or not.
"The country was de facto divided between
two states"
Synonyms: in
practice, in effect, in fact, in reality, really, actually, in actuality
"The republic has been de facto divided
into two states"
Adjective
Existing or holding a specified position in
fact but not necessarily by legal right.
"A de facto one-party system"
In contrast, de jure means a state of affairs that is in accordance with law
(i.e. that is officially sanctioned)
Adverb
Adverb: de jure; adverb: dejure
According to rightful entitlement or claim; by
right.
"The resolution declared that the independent Republic of Latvia proclaimed on November 18, 1918, was still in
existence de jure"
Synonyms: by
right, rightfully, legally, according to the law; More
Antonyms: de facto
Adjective
Adjective: de jure; adjective:
dejure
Existing or holding a specified position by
legal right.
"He had been de jure king since his
father's death"