Definition

1. Noun:

   • A matter that is an actual fact or is demonstrable as a fact: A statement, issue, or piece of information that is objectively true, verifiable, and not based on opinion or speculation.
   • A disputed factual contention that is generally left for a jury to decide: In a legal context, a specific question of fact that is in dispute and must be resolved by a jury or judge, as opposed to a question of law.

2. Adjective (as 'matter-of-fact'):

   • Practical, straightforward, and unemotional: A manner of speaking or behaving that is direct, factual, and without exaggeration or emotional display.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The date of the event is a simple matter of fact, not open to debate.
  • Whether the defendant was at the scene is a matter of fact for the jury to determine.

• Adjective (matter-of-fact):

  • She gave a matter-of-fact account of the incident, avoiding any dramatic language.
  • His matter-of-fact tone helped calm everyone during the emergency.

Advanced Usage

• "As a matter of fact": A phrase used to introduce a statement that emphasizes truth, provides additional information, or corrects a previous statement.

  • I thought he was French, but as a matter of fact, he's from Belgium.

• "Question of fact": A legal or formal term often synonymous with "matter of fact," referring to an issue that must be answered by reference to evidence and facts.

  • The credibility of the witness is a question of fact.

Variants and Related Words

• Matter-of-factly (adverb): In a straightforward, unemotional manner.

  • He stated matter-of-factly that the project was over budget.

• Factual (adjective): Concerned with what is actually the case; based on facts.

  • The report provided a factual summary of the findings.

Synonyms

• Noun: Fact, reality, actuality, certainty.
• Adjective (manner): Unemotional, straightforward, prosaic, down-to-earth, pragmatic.

Antonyms

• Noun: Fiction, opinion, conjecture, speculation.
• Adjective (manner): Emotional, exaggerated, dramatic, fanciful.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "The fact of the matter": Used to introduce the most important or true point about a situation.
  • The fact of the matter is, we cannot proceed without more funding.

Noun

1. a matter that is an actual fact or is demonstrable as a fact
2. a disputed factual contention that is generally left for a jury to decide