Pronunciation

/ˈmætər/

Definitions

• Noun: (n) Substance or material that occupies space and has mass; it can be solid, liquid, gas, or plasma. For example: “The matter in the universe includes stars, planets, and interstellar dust.”

  • Also refers to a subject under consideration, a topic, or an issue. Example: “The matter at hand is how to reduce our carbon footprint.”
  • Legal sense: A case or affair, especially one brought before a court. Example: “The lawyer was handling a complex legal matter.”

• Verb: (v) To be of importance or significance. Example: “It doesn’t really matter what time we arrive.”

  • To pertain to or concern something. Example: “Your opinion matters to us.”
  • Archaic usage: To have effect or influence; to make a difference. Example: “What he said mattered little in the outcome.”

Phrases

• “Get to the matter at hand” means to focus on the main issue being discussed.
• “A matter of fact” refers to something that is true and not open to dispute.
• “No matter what” implies regardless of any circumstances or conditions.
• “As a matter of course” means something happens naturally or automatically as part of a usual process.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The physicist studied the nature of dark matter in the cosmos.”
• Verb: “Whether we go today or tomorrow doesn’t really matter; the exhibition runs all week.”
• In a legal context: “The judge decided that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the matter.”

Synonyms

• Substance (for physical matter)
• Subject (for topics or issues)
• Concern (for importance or relevance)
• Issue (for problems or disputes)
• Stuff (informal)
• Content (in certain contexts)