matter

/'mætə/
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matter

She placed the science textbook open to a page about the states of matter.

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.
matter

She placed the science textbook open to a page about the states of 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