1. The most important or fundamental fact in a situation, argument, or narrative
The central fact of the matter is that he was not present at the time of the incident.
O fato central da questão é que ele não estava presente no momento do incidente.
2. A core or pivotal piece of information that forms the basis of an understanding or conclusion
The central fact remains: the company has declared bankruptcy.
O fato central permanece: a empresa declarou falência.