matter
English meaning: Matter
Definition
To be important or to make a difference. As a noun, a situation or problem.
Example
“It doesn't matter if we're late.”
Another example: “As a matter of fact, I was just about to call you.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Everyday and neutral; as a verb it means to be important ('it doesn't matter'), used mostly in questions and negatives, and as a noun it means a situation or affair ('a serious matter') or physical substance. Note 'what's the matter?' = what's wrong.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old French 'matiere', from Latin 'materia' (material).
Synonyms
- count
- be important
- make a difference
Related Words
- importance
- issue
- affair
- concern
Common Collocations
- doesn't matter
- as a matter of fact
- no matter
- a matter of time
- the matter with
Word Forms
matter (v); mattered; mattering; matters (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B