What is matter? Pronunciation and usage in English

matter means . Learn how to pronounce and use matter through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of matter

matternoun/verb

/ˈmatə/
Definition & pronunciation of matter

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "matter" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and they're often confused!

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (rhymes with "father"):

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /'mæ.tər/
  • How to say it:
    • "ma" - Like the word "ma" (short 'a' sound, as in "cat")
    • "ter" - Like the word "tar" (with a short 'e' sound)
  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("ma").

2. Older/Less Common Pronunciation (rhymes with "batter"):

  • IPA: /ˈmæt.ər/
  • How to say it:
    • "mat" - Like the word "mat" (with a short 'a' sound)
    • "ter" - Like the word "tar" (with a short 'e' sound)
  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable ("ter").

Which one should you use?

The first pronunciation (“ma-ter”) is overwhelmingly the most common and widely accepted pronunciation in American and British English. You’ll hear it 99% of the time.

The second pronunciation ("mat-ter") is mostly heard in older speakers or in certain dialects (like parts of Scotland or Ireland).

Here’s a quick way to remember:

Think of "father." "Matter" sounds similar.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you located (or what dialect of English are you learning)?

Usage and examples with the word matter in English

Let's break down how to use the word "matter" in English! It's a really versatile word with many different meanings. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (Things That Are Important)

  • General Importance: This is the most common usage. “Matter” refers to something that is important, significant, or relevant.

    • "This matter is very important to me." (It's significant to me.)
    • "Let's discuss this vital matter." (It's a crucial issue.)
    • "The success of the project depends on proper planning." – “Planning is a key matter.” (Planning is important.)

  • Subject of a Discussion/Topic: It’s used to refer to the subject being talked about.

    • “What’s the matter we’re discussing?” (What’s the topic?)
    • “I need to bring up a few important matters.” (I need to raise a few topics.)

2. As a Verb (To Concern or Affect)

  • To Concern or Worry: This is a frequent usage – expressing concern or anxiety.

    • "I matter about your well-being." (I'm concerned about your well-being.)
    • “Don’t matter so much about the details; focus on the big picture.” (Don't worry so much about the details.)
    • "It matters to me that you’re happy." (It’s important to me that you're happy.)

  • To Affect or Have an Impact: "Matter" can indicate that something has an effect on something else.

    • "The change in regulations matters significantly to the industry." (The change significantly affects the industry.)
    • "His decision matters to everyone involved." (His decision has an impact on everyone.)

3. As a Noun (Physical Substance – Less Common in Everyday Speech)

  • Physical Stuff (Science, Chemistry): This is more common in scientific or technical contexts.
    • "The matter in the beaker is flammable." (The substance in the beaker is flammable.)
    • “Different matters have different properties.” (Different substances have different properties.)

4. Informal Phrases (Common Expressions)

  • "What’s the matter?" - Used to ask someone why they look upset or if something is wrong.
  • "It doesn't matter." - Means it's not important or doesn't make a difference.
  • "That matters." - Means that’s important or significant.
  • "It matters not” - (Archaic, but still used) – It doesn't matter.

Let’s look at some examples combining different uses:

  • "The matter of the report is that we need to revise it.” (The topic/subject is a report that needs revision).
  • "I matter about the outcome of the election.” (I’m concerned about the election outcome).
  • “Whether it matters or not, we should still be polite.” (It doesn't matter if it's important or not, we should still be polite.)

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you working with? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word matter

Idioms of the word matter

as a matter of fact
used to add a comment on something that you have just said, usually adding something that you think the other person will be interested in
  • It's a nice place. We've stayed there ourselves, as a matter of fact.
used to disagree with something that somebody has just said
  • ‘I suppose you'll be leaving soon, then?’ ‘No, as a matter of fact I'll be staying for another two years.’
be another/a different matter
to be very different
  • I know which area they live in, but whether I can find their house is a different matter.
  • That's a whole different matter.
  • I don't mind lizards, but snakes are a different matter.
be no laughing matter
to be something serious that you should not joke about
    the fact (of the matter) is (that)…
    used to emphasize a statement, especially one that is the opposite of what has just been mentioned
    • A new car would be wonderful but the fact of the matter is that we can't afford one.
    for that matter
    used to add a comment on something that you have just said
    • I didn't like it much. Nor did the kids, for that matter.
    it’s just/only a matter of time (before…)
    used to say that something will definitely happen, although you are not sure when
    • It's only a matter of time before they bring out their own version of the software.
    (as) a matter of course
    (as) the usual and correct thing to do
    • We always check people's addresses as a matter of course.
    a matter of hours, minutes, etc. | a matter of inches, metres, etc.
    only a few hours, minutes, etc.
    • It was all over in a matter of minutes.
    • The bullet missed her by a matter of inches.
    a matter of life and/or death
    used to describe a situation that is very important or serious
    • You mustn't let anyone know— it's a matter of life and death.
    • These talks are a matter of life or death for the factory.
    a matter of record
    (formal)something that has been recorded as being true
      no matter
      used to say that something is not important
      • If that doesn't work out, no matter, I'll rent for another year or two.
      no matter who, what, where, etc.
      used to say that something is always true, whatever the situation is, or that somebody should certainly do something
      • They don't last long no matter how careful you are.
      • Call me when you get there, no matter what the time is.

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