matter

noun
UK: /ˈmætər/
US: /ˈmætər/

  1. A substance that has mass and occupies space.

    1. The universe is made of matter and energy. [ ] [ ]
    2. Scientists are exploring the properties of dark matter in the cosmos. [ ] [ ]

  2. An issue or situation that needs to be considered or dealt with.

    1. This is a serious matter for everyone. [ ] [ ]
    2. The director decided it was a matter of urgency to address the rumors. [ ] [ ]

  3. Written or printed material.

    1. I enjoy reading different matter in newspapers. [ ] [ ]
    2. The professor prepared reading matter for the next class discussion. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

count issue signify concern import stuff topic material substance
matter intransitive-verb

  1. To be important or significant.

    1. It doesn't matter what they think about you. [ ] [ ]
    2. The team's spirit does matter a great deal to overall performance. [ ] [ ]
matter adverb

  1. Used to emphasize that something is not relevant or important.

    1. No matter what, I will always be there. [ ] [ ]
    2. No matter how hard it is, you must never give up on your dreams. [ ] [ ]
matter idiom

  1. What's the matter? - means 'What is the problem?'

    1. What's the matter? You look upset! [ ] [ ]
    2. I asked my friend, 'What's the matter?' because they seemed distracted. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "matter" in English means: A substance that has mass and occupies space., An issue or situation that needs to be considered or dealt with., Written or printed material..

The phonetic transcription of "matter" is /ˈmætər/ in British English and /ˈmætər/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "matter": count, issue, signify, concern, import, stuff, topic, material, substance.

Example usage of "matter": "The universe is made of matter and energy.". More examples on the page.