Definition

1. Noun:

   • Physical substance: The material that makes up the physical universe; anything that has mass and occupies space.
   • A subject, situation, or affair: A topic, issue, or event that is being considered, discussed, or dealt with.
   • Written material: The content or substance of a book, speech, or other text.
   • A problem or difficulty: Used in phrases like "What's the matter?" to ask about a trouble or concern.
   • Importance or consequence: Significance (often used in negative constructions like "no matter").

2. Verb:

   • To be of importance: To be significant or have relevance.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Physical substance):
  • Scientists study the properties of matter.
  • All physical objects are composed of matter.
• Noun (A subject or affair):
  • We need to discuss an important matter.
  • That is a personal matter.
• Noun (Written material):
  • The library has a large collection of printed matter.
• Noun (A problem):
  • What is the matter with the computer?
• Noun (Importance):
  • It's of no matter to me.
• Verb:
  • Your opinion matters to me.
  • It doesn't matter if we are late.

Advanced Usage

• "As a matter of fact": Used to emphasize that a statement is true, often to correct a previous idea.
  • I'm not tired; as a matter of fact, I'm full of energy.
• "For that matter": Used to add a related point or to say that something is also true in another situation.
  • He doesn't like jazz, or any loud music for that matter.
• "A matter of": Used to indicate something related to or involving a particular thing, often an approximation.
  • It's only a matter of time before they find out.
  • The repair will cost a matter of a few dollars.

Variants and Related Words

• Matter-of-fact (adj): Concerned with facts, not imagination or emotion; straightforward.
  • She gave a matter-of-fact account of the accident.
• Subject matter (n): The topic dealt with or the subject represented in a piece of writing or discussion.
  • The subject matter of the lecture was quantum physics.

Synonyms

• Noun (substance): Material, stuff, substance.
• Noun (affair): Issue, topic, subject, business, concern.
• Verb: Count, be important, signify.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• No matter: Regardless of. Used to say that something is not important or does not affect the situation.
  • No matter what happens, I will support you.
  • Call me anytime, no matter the hour.

Related Idioms

• Mind over matter: The use of willpower to overcome physical problems or difficulties.
  • Finishing the marathon was a case of mind over matter.
• What's the matter?: What is wrong? (Used to ask about a problem.)
  • You look upset. What's the matter?
• The crux of the matter: The most important or central part of an issue.
  • We can discuss details later, but first, let's address the crux of the matter.

Noun

1. written works (especially in books or magazines)
   • he always took some reading matter with him on the plane
2. (used with negation) having consequence
   • they were friends and it was no matter who won the games
3. a problem
   • is anything the matter?
4. that which has mass and occupies space
   • physicists study both the nature of matter and the forces which govern it
5. some situation or event that is thought about
   • he kept drifting off the topic
   • he had been thinking about the subject for several years
   • it is a matter for the police
6. a vaguely specified concern
   • several matters to attend to
   • it is none of your affair
   • things are going well

Verb

1. have weight; have import, carry weight
   • It does not matter much