Factfinding

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The act of investigating and gathering data to ascertain factual information about a specific matter
2. The methodology of collecting and analyzing information to reveal the truth behind a given topic
3. The procedure of examining details to uncover accurate information about an issue

Etymology: "Factfinding" is simply the closed-up spelling of "fact-finding," a compound of "fact" and "finding." "Fact" comes from Latin "factum," meaning "a thing done," the neuter past participle of "facere," "to do" or "to make." Its sense moved from a deed to a known truth about the world, and the English word carries that second sense. "Finding" is the noun formed from the verb "find," which descends from Old English "findan." Put together, the compound describes the act of discovering what is true, especially through investigation. The hyphenated form is the more common written variant, while the closed form is an accepted alternative spelling of the same term.

Synonyms: investigation, research