fax
/fæks/ (bre, ipa) · /fæks/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfaks/ (ame, mw)
fax — noun
- faxsingular
- faxesplural
1. A printed page whose image has been sent over a phone line so an identical copy
A printed page whose image has been sent over a phone line so an identical copy appears on paper at the other end.
Mei-Lin received a five-page fax from the head office this morning.
collocation: receive a fax
The lawyer asked me to confirm the details in the fax he sent yesterday.
passive: fax + sent by someone
Did the signed agreement come through as a fax or an email attachment?
- facsimile
the full, more formal term for a faxed copy; rarely used in everyday speech
- transmission
broader term that can refer to any sent document, not specifically fax
文法句型
send/receive + a fax
fax + verb (arrive/come through)
用法筆記
Often paired with 'send' or 'receive'. In most modern offices, fax documents have been replaced by email attachments and scanned PDFs.
常見錯誤
2. An electronic device that scans printed pages and transmits the images over a ph
An electronic device that scans printed pages and transmits the images over a phone line to produce matching copies on another machine.
Our old fax finally broke down, so the office manager ordered a new one.
collocation: fax + broke down
The fax is out of paper — could you refill it before the documents arrive?
Priya switched on the fax and waited for the supplier's confirmation to print out.
- fax machine
fuller form of the word 'fax' for the device; slightly more explicit
- facsimile machine
formal or dated term for the device
文法句型
by fax
the fax + verb (broke / ran out of paper)
用法筆記
Covers both the physical machine and the overall fax system. 'By fax' (uncountable) refers to the method: 'Send it by fax.'
3. A deliberate misspelling of 'facts' used in online writing to emphasise that a s
A deliberate misspelling of 'facts' used in online writing to emphasise that a statement is obviously true or to express strong agreement.
The comment section was full of people just writing 'fax' to agree with the post.
internet slang: 'fax' as noun for 'facts'
When someone shares an unpopular truth online, others often reply with 'fax, bro'.
On social media, typing 'fax' for 'facts' backs up a strong opinion.
- facts
the standard spelling; 'fax' is a stylised variant used for emphasis
文法句型
written as a one-word reply
用法筆記
This spelling is considered casual and non-standard. It is most common on platforms like Twitter/X, TikTok, and Reddit. Not appropriate in formal or professional writing.
常見錯誤
fax — verb
- faxpresent simple I / you / we / they
- faxes3rd person singular
- faxing-ing form
- faxedpast simple
1. To send a written document to someone by scanning it and transmitting the image
To send a written document to someone by scanning it and transmitting the image through a phone line so a printed copy comes out of their machine.
Javier faxed the signed contract to the supplier before the deadline.
pattern: fax + document + to + recipient
Could you fax me a copy of your passport and visa?
pattern: fax + indirect object + direct object
The hospital asked Dr. Amara to fax the patient's records to the specialist.
- send by fax
phrasal alternative that requires 'by fax' as a separate phrase
文法句型
fax + document + to + person
fax + person + document
用法筆記
The verb can be used with two objects: 'fax someone something' (British pattern) or 'fax something to someone' (both varieties). The indirect object usually refers to a person or an organisation.
常見錯誤
fax — exclamation
1. An exclamation used in online conversations to show strong agreement with a stat
An exclamation used in online conversations to show strong agreement with a statement, equivalent to saying 'Exactly!' or 'That is absolutely true.'
Hiroshi commented 'This movie is the best of the year' and Yuki replied simply 'Fax!'
one-word reply showing online agreement
Someone posted 'Ice cream for breakfast is totally fine' and the replies were all 'Fax!'
Fatima wrote 'Fax — could not agree more' under the viral tweet about climate change.
- facts
the standard spelling when used as an exclamation meaning 'exactly'
文法句型
used as a standalone utterance
用法筆記
This internet slang exclamation is almost exclusively written, not spoken aloud. It appears in comment threads, social media replies, and group chats. Not suitable for formal communication.