de facto

adverb | \ di-ˈfak-tō, dā-, dē- \ | de fac·to

1. : in reality : actually these two constraints have been lifted, one de facto and one de jure —Susan Lee

adjective

1. : actual; especially : being such in effect though not formally recognized — see also de facto segregation at segregation : being such in effect though not formally recognized — see also de facto segregation at segregation

2. : exercising power as if legally constituted or authorized a de facto government a de facto judge — compare de jure