matter
matter — noun
1. a topic, situation, or issue that someone is thinking about or needs to handle
a topic, situation, or issue that someone is thinking about or needs to handle
The board will discuss several financial matters at tomorrow's meeting.
collocation: financial matters / personal matters
Kwame asked his lawyer to handle the legal matter regarding the property.
This is a matter of public safety, so we cannot ignore it.
pattern: a matter of + noun
The manager refused to discuss personal matters during office hours.
- financial matter
- legal matter
- personal matter
- political matter
- the matter at hand
- a matter of concern
Grammar Patterns
matter + of + noun
a matter of + noun
Usage Note
Often used with a descriptive adjective (financial, legal, political, personal) before it to specify the type of issue.
Common Mistakes
2. the particular situation or topic that people are currently discussing or dealin
the particular situation or topic that people are currently discussing or dealing with
Let us focus on the matter at hand instead of bringing up old complaints.
idiom: the matter at hand
The committee spent two hours debating the matter before reaching a decision.
Tara thought the matter was settled, but her colleague raised new objections.
If there are no more questions on the matter, we shall move on.
- the matter at hand
- the matter in question
- on the matter
- discuss the matter
- settle the matter
Grammar Patterns
the matter
the matter in question
3. a problem, cause of pain, or reason for unhappiness — used in questions like 'Wh
a problem, cause of pain, or reason for unhappiness — used in questions like 'What's the matter?' to ask what is wrong
What is the matter, Ayana? You look as though you have been crying.
question: What's the matter?
There is something the matter with the washing machine; it will not drain the water.
The doctor asked what the matter was, but the girl stayed quiet.
There is nothing the matter with your test results; everything looks normal.
negative: nothing the matter
- what's the matter
- something the matter
- nothing the matter
- the matter with
Grammar Patterns
What's the matter?
What's the matter with + noun?
something the matter
nothing the matter
Usage Note
Nearly always used with 'the'. 'What's the matter?' is a fixed phrase equivalent to 'What's wrong?' Do not use 'a matter' in this sense — it would be understood as sense 1 (a subject/issue).
Common Mistakes
4. the physical stuff that makes up everything in the cosmos — it has weight, takes
the physical stuff that makes up everything in the cosmos — it has weight, takes up room, and can be seen or touched
In physics class, the students learned that all matter is made up of tiny atoms.
scientific usage: all matter
Scientists study how matter behaves under extreme temperatures and pressure.
According to recent studies, dark matter makes up most of the mass in the universe.
When wood burns, the matter does not disappear; it changes into gas and ash.
- dark matter
- organic matter
- solid matter
- states of matter
- living matter
Grammar Patterns
matter + verb
adjective + matter
Usage Note
In this scientific sense, 'matter' is uncountable. It contrasts with 'energy', 'mind', or 'spirit' in philosophical contexts.
Common Mistakes
5. a specific type of solid, liquid, or gas material that can be identified by its
a specific type of solid, liquid, or gas material that can be identified by its properties or origin
The compost pile is full of decaying plant matter from the garden.
collocation: plant matter / organic matter
Waste matter from factories must be treated before it is released into rivers.
Putri added vegetable matter to the soil to help her vegetables grow better.
The lab technician examined the solid matter collected from the water filter.
- plant matter
- organic matter
- waste matter
- solid matter
- animal matter
- vegetable matter
Grammar Patterns
adjective + matter
Usage Note
Unlike sense 4 (the general scientific concept), this sense refers to specific, identifiable substances, often classified by origin (plant, animal, waste) or state (solid, liquid).
6. a category of items or content sharing a common quality, especially written or i
a category of items or content sharing a common quality, especially written or informational works
The library has a large collection of printed matter on local history.
collocation: printed matter
The publisher needs to review all advertising matter before the brochure goes to print.
His suitcase was full of promotional matter for the new software product.
The teacher prepared supplementary reading matter for the advanced students.
collocation: reading matter
- printed matter
- reading matter
- advertising matter
- promotional matter
- supplementary matter
- material
more common in everyday English; 'teaching material', 'reading material'
- content
broader; can refer to digital or multimedia as well as print
- literature
usually implies higher-quality or more substantial written works
Grammar Patterns
adjective + matter
Usage Note
Typically used with adjectives like 'printed', 'reading', 'advertising', or 'promotional'. This sense is less common in everyday conversation and appears more in formal or professional contexts.
7. used within the phrase 'a matter of' to stress that something involves only a ti
used within the phrase 'a matter of' to stress that something involves only a tiny quantity, number, or duration
The fire crews arrived at the scene in a matter of minutes after the call.
pattern: a matter of minutes
The repair job is simple; it is a matter of tightening a few screws.
Xiu finished the marathon in a matter of hours, beating her previous record.
pattern: a matter of hours
The difference between the two prices is a matter of a few dollars at most.
- a matter of minutes
- a matter of hours
- a matter of days
- a matter of seconds
- a matter of dollars
- scarcely
adverb meaning 'barely'; different grammar but similar meaning of small quantity
Grammar Patterns
a matter of + noun (minutes/hours/dollars/metres)
Usage Note
Always part of the fixed phrase 'a matter of'. Common time words: minutes, hours, days, weeks. Common quantities: dollars, metres, inches, degrees.
Common Mistakes
8. documents, letters, packages, or printed items considered together as a group
documents, letters, packages, or printed items considered together as a group
The secretary sorted the incoming matter into urgent and routine piles.
formal usage: incoming matter
All printed matter sent through the post must include a return address.
collocation: printed matter
The company ships promotional matter to potential customers twice a year.
The archive contains classified matter that cannot be viewed by the public.
- printed matter
- postal matter
- incoming matter
- classified matter
- promotional matter
- mail
more common for letters and packages sent through the postal system
- correspondence
specifically refers to letters and written communication between people
Grammar Patterns
adjective + matter
Usage Note
This sense overlaps with sense 6 but is more specifically about physical documents and mail items, often in official or postal contexts.
as a matter of fact
idiomused to introduce a statement that gives more information or corrects what someone has just said
"Are you new to this city?" "No, as a matter of fact, I grew up here."
As a matter of fact, I spoke to the manager yesterday, and she confirmed the deal.
no matter
idiomused to say that something is not important or does not need to be worried about
"I forgot to bring your book." "No matter, you can return it tomorrow."
She spilled juice on the carpet, but her mother said, "No matter, it will clean up."
used to say that something is true or will happen regardless of the circumstances
No matter how hard Andrés trained, he could not break the school record.
The rescue team promised to find the hikers no matter where they had gone.
a situation that is extremely serious because someone could die or be severely harmed
For a patient with a severe allergic reaction, every second is a matter of life and death.
The climbers sent an urgent message saying their situation was a matter of life and death.
a matter of time
idiomused to say that something is certain to happen at some point in the future, though the exact moment is unknown
With her talent and hard work, becoming a famous singer is only a matter of time.
The police knew it was just a matter of time before the thief made another mistake.
used to emphasize that what you are about to say is the true situation, especially when it is unpleasant or hard to accept
The fact of the matter is that the company does not have enough money to pay all its staff.
People can make excuses all day, but the fact of the matter is that we lost because we were not prepared.
for that matter
idiomused to add a related comment, suggesting that what was said about one thing is also true about another
Tyler has never been to Japan, or to any Asian country for that matter.
I do not trust online reviews, or any form of anonymous opinion for that matter.
used to say that one thing is completely different from another, especially more difficult or serious
Planning a vacation is easy, but actually paying for it is quite another matter.
Julian can fix a leaky tap, but replacing an entire pipe system is a different matter altogether.
used to say that something is serious and should not be treated as a joke
Losing your passport in a foreign country is no laughing matter.
The teacher warned the class that cheating on the exam was no laughing matter.
as the usual and expected part of a process, without special treatment
All new employees receive a safety briefing as a matter of course on their first day.
The hotel changes the bed sheets every day as a matter of course.
a matter of record
idiomsomething that is officially recorded and therefore known to be true
The court's decision is a matter of record and can be verified by anyone.
It is a matter of record that the company donated one million dollars to the charity last year.
used to express annoyance or to ask why something is wrong or unusual
What is the matter with this printer? It keeps jamming every time I use it.
What is the matter with people these days? Nobody seems to care about being polite anymore.
Used to say that something is completely different from what was just mentioned.
I can fix a leaky faucet, but repairing a broken pipe is a different matter.
She enjoys cooking simple meals, but baking a cake is another matter entirely.
Used to emphasize that what you are saying is true, especially when it contradicts what was just said.
Some people think the project is easy, but the fact of the matter is that it requires months of work.
He claims he finished the report, but the fact is he only wrote half of it.
Used to say that something will definitely happen, though you do not know exactly when.
With her talent, it's only a matter of time before she becomes a famous singer.
The old bridge is weak; it's just a matter of time before it collapses.
As part of the normal and expected way of doing things.
The hotel staff changes the towels daily as a matter of course.
She checks her email first thing every morning as a matter of course.
Used to emphasize that something is only a small amount or short time.
The whole race was over in a matter of seconds.
The car stopped just a matter of inches from the wall.
Used to describe a situation that is extremely serious or important.
For a heart patient, getting the right medicine quickly is a matter of life and death.
The climber knew that finding shelter was a matter of life or death.
Used to say that something is always true or should be done regardless of the situation.
No matter how tired she is, she always walks the dog in the evening.
You must finish your homework no matter what happens.
matter — verb
1. to have importance or influence on a situation — used especially in negative sta
to have importance or influence on a situation — used especially in negative statements and questions to say something is not significant or to ask what is significant
It does not matter if you arrive late; we will wait for you.
negative: It doesn't matter if...
What matters most to Élise is spending time with her family on weekends.
question structure: What matters most...
Does it really matter which colour we choose for the living room walls?
The only thing that matters to the coach is whether the team tried its best.
pattern: the only thing that matters
It matters a great deal to Naoko that her children learn to speak Japanese.
affirmative: matter a great deal
- it doesn't matter
- what matters
- matter a lot
- matter a great deal
- matter to someone
- the only thing that matters
- count
slightly less formal; 'Every vote counts'
- signify
more formal and less common in everyday speech
- be important
a longer paraphrase; 'matter' is more concise
Grammar Patterns
It doesn't matter
What matters is...
matter + if/whether
matter + to + person
Usage Note
Most common in negative sentences ('it doesn't matter'), questions ('what matters?'), or with 'if/whether/that'. In affirmative sentences, it often pairs with adverbs like 'much', 'a lot', 'a great deal'.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- materialnounA2
- materialadjectiveB1
- materiallyadverbC1
- materialismnounC1
- materialisticadjectiveC1
- immaterialadjectiveC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
All five words refer to something people think or talk about, but they differ in scope and formality. 'Issue' suggests something that people disagree about or need to resolve — 'Tax reform is a hot political issue right now.' 'Subject' is the broadest, covering any area of discussion, study, or writing — 'The subject of the lecture was climate change.' 'Topic' is close to 'subject' but implies a more focused conversation — 'The topic at our staff meeting was the new software.' 'Concern' adds a sense of personal involvement or worry — 'The rising rent is a major concern for many families.' 'Affair' is more formal and often refers to public or significant matters — 'The minister is responsible for foreign affairs.' For everyday use, 'issue' and 'topic' are the most natural alternatives to 'matter'. Choose 'matter' when you want a slightly formal, neutral word that pairs well with adjectives like financial, legal, or personal.
Common collocations
Adverbs
- really matter
- hardly matter
- matter deeply
- matter a lot
Phrases
- as a matter of fact
- no matter what
- a matter of time
- the matter at hand
- what's the matter
Prepositions
- matter to [someone]
- a matter of [something]
- matter about
Etymology
The word 'matter' comes from the Latin 'materia', meaning 'wood, timber, or building material'. The ancient Romans thought of wood as the basic 'mother' substance (related to Latin 'mater' meaning 'mother') from which things were made. This idea — that matter is the fundamental stuff that everything is built from — passed into Old French as 'matere' and then into Middle English as 'mater' or 'matere'. Over time, the meaning broadened from 'physical substance' to include 'a subject or topic' (the 'material' of a conversation), and later to the verb sense 'to be important' (from the idea that something 'has substance' or 'carries weight').