What qualifies a statement to be considered a fact?

A statement qualifies as a fact when it can be proven true through evidence, observation, or reliable data. Facts exist independently of personal beliefs or opinions; their validity does not rely on whether someone agrees with them or not. A statement that can be demonstrated as true—through empirical evidence, statistical data, or verified observation—holds the status of a fact.

In contrast, statements based on personal beliefs, societal acceptance, or subjective value judgments do not meet the criteria for factuality. Personal beliefs may vary widely and may not be supported by evidence, while commonly accepted statements can often be rooted in opinion rather than verifiable truth. Similarly, value judgments are inherently subjective and reflect personal perspectives rather than objective reality. Therefore, the ability to prove a statement true categorizes it definitively as a fact.