The term "hard facts" refers to undeniable and empirical evidence. The word ‘hard’ is pronounced as [hɑːrd] in IPA phonetic transcription, with the ‘h’ being aspirated followed by an ‘a’ sound pronounced with an open mouth. The pronunciation then changes to a prolonged ‘r’ sound before concluding with a voiced dental fricative ‘d’ sound. The word ‘facts’ is pronounced as [fæks] in IPA phonetic transcription, with a short ‘a’ sound followed by an unvoiced alveolar fricative ‘f’ sound, an unvoiced velar plosive ‘k’, and ending with an unvoiced alveolar fricative ‘s'.
Hard facts, also known as empirical evidence or objective information, refer to verifiable data or information that is based on concrete evidence and can be relied upon as true and accurate. These facts are often obtained through scientific research, observations, measurements, and experiments, making them a reliable and trustworthy source of information. Hard facts are typically used to support or strengthen arguments, claims, or statements, as they provide a solid foundation and are not easily disputed.
These factual pieces of information are characterized by their objectivity and lack of bias, as they are not influenced by personal opinions, beliefs, or emotions. They are commonly agreed upon and accepted by experts, scholars, or professionals in a particular field. Hard facts are often used in various domains such as science, medicine, mathematics, history, and law, to provide a basis for logical reasoning and accurate analysis.
It should be noted that hard facts are distinct from interpretations or subjective viewpoints, as they are based on observable phenomena that can be confirmed by multiple sources. They serve as the backbone of reliable knowledge and serve as a pillar for making informed decisions and drawing valid conclusions. Hard facts play a crucial role in fostering critical thinking, promoting evidence-based claims, and advancing our understanding of the world.
The word "hard facts" is a compound phrase composed of two words with separate etymological origins.
1. Hard: The adjective "hard" originated from the Old English word "heard", which referred to something solid or firm. It later evolved to describe something difficult, requiring great effort, or having a harsh or inflexible quality. The Germanic root of "hard" is "harduz", which also means "hard" or "solid".
2. Facts: The word "facts" originated from the Latin noun "factum", the past participle of "facere", meaning "to do" or "to make". It refers to something that has actually occurred, exists, or is known to be true. The Latin root "facere" eventually developed into the Old French word "facte", which later became "fact" in English.