matter
/ˈmætɚ/
Reviewed on
Also a noun
Meaning
To be important or have a significant effect.
Your opinion really matters to everyone on the planning committee.
Does it matter if we arrive twenty minutes late tomorrow?
Collocations
- matter most
Synonyms
- count
Idioms
no matter what
regardless of circumstances
She promised to complete the assignment tonight no matter what.
for that matter
also, in the same way
I don't like coffee, or tea for that matter.
Meaning
A situation, subject, or problem under active discussion or consideration.
The committee agreed to resolve the delicate financial matter before adjourning.
Several personal matters prevented him from attending the morning briefing.
Physical substance that occupies space and has mass.
Physicists study the interactions between different forms of matter and energy.
Organic matter decomposes quickly in warm, humid soil conditions.
Printed, written, or published material of a specified kind.
I always pack some reading matter for long flights.
The envelope was stamped "printed matter" so it could be mailed at a lower rate.
Used with "the" to mean a problem or something that is wrong.
What's the matter? You look upset.
Is something the matter with your car?
Collocations
- urgent matter
- private matter
- subject matter
- dark matter
- organic matter
- printed matter
- reading matter
Idioms
as a matter of fact
used to introduce an emphasis or correction
As a matter of fact, we met twice before this conference.
take matters into one's own hands
to deal with a problem personally after others fail
Tired of waiting for repairs, he took matters into his own hands.
a matter of time
something that will inevitably happen
Finding a permanent solution is only a matter of time.