WordGarden.iomatter
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈætə/
US
- /ˈmætər/
Meanings
Noun
physical substance or stuff
a subject, issue, or situation being dealt with or discussed
physical substance considered in science, especially as distinct from energy
Verb
to be important or make a difference
Beyond the definition
"Matter" has several meanings. It can refer to the physical stuff things are made of, like wood, water, or air. It can also mean something important, a problem, or a topic someone is dealing with. A scientist studies matter, while a lawyer might say, "This is a serious matter." So the word can point to both the physical world and the issues people talk about.
If someone asks, "What's the matter?" they mean "What's wrong?" or "What is bothering you?" A detective may investigate a matter, meaning a case or problem. And in everyday conversation, "It doesn't matter" means something is not important.
The word "matter" is surprisingly versatile! At its most fundamental, it refers to the physical substance that makes up everything around us—the stuff that has mass and takes up space. Think of a table, a cloud, or even you—all made of matter. Scientists categorize matter into states like solid, liquid, gas, and plasma, studying its properties and how it interacts with energy. "Dark matter" is a mysterious substance thought to make up much of the universe but doesn't interact with light, making it difficult to detect.
However, "matter" isn't limited to science! It also describes something that is important or significant. A legal matter is a case being considered in court. A personal matter is a private issue someone is dealing with. When you say "It doesn't matter," you mean it lacks importance.
You'll often hear the phrase "What's the matter?" as a way to ask about someone's well-being, meaning "What's wrong?" or "Is something bothering you?" In this sense, the word refers to a problem or concern.
Furthermore, "matter" can refer to a subject or topic under consideration. A politician might address important matters during a speech, and a manager might discuss business matters in a meeting.
So, whether you're discussing the composition of stars, a serious problem, or simply asking if someone is okay, "matter" encompasses both the physical world around us and the things that hold significance in our lives.
Examples
- 1
Physical substance
The universe is made of matter and energy.
- 2
Asking concern
What's the matter? You look upset.
- PhraseWhat's the matter?
What's wrong?
- 3
Private topic
I need to talk to you about a private matter.
- 4
Main factor
Safety is a matter of training and careful habits.
- Patterna matter of + noun/gerund
something that depends on or is mainly about it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Short time
We can finish the report in a matter of hours.
- Patternin a matter of + time
in only that amount of time
- 6
Serious issue
This delay is no small matter.
- Phraseno small matter
something important or serious
- 7
Importance
It doesn't matter if we're a few minutes late.
- 8
Personal value
Your opinion matters to me.
- 9
Main priority
What matters most is that everyone got home safely.
- 10
Regardless
No matter what happens, call me first.
- Phraseno matter what
whatever happens
- 11
Worse situation
I forgot my wallet, and to make matters worse, my phone died.
- Phraseto make matters worse
to make a bad situation even worse
- 12
Adding information
As a matter of fact, I already sent the email.
- Usageas a matter of fact
used to add or correct information
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- matternounverb
Forms
- matterspluralnounverb
- matteredpast tenseverbnoun
- mattering-ing formverbnoun