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Matter: meaning, definitions and examples

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matter

 

[ˈmadər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in physics

Physical substance in general, as distinct from mind and spirit; (in physics) that which occupies space and possesses rest mass, especially as distinct from energy.

Synonyms

material, stuff, substance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
matter

Usually refers to a topic or issue that needs to be discussed or dealt with, or something that occupies space and has mass in scientific terms.

  • Let's discuss this matter at the meeting.
  • Dark matter is a mysterious substance in space.
substance

Used to describe the essential content or characteristic of something, or a particular kind of matter with uniform properties, often in a scientific context.

  • The scientist discovered a new substance in the lab.
  • The article lacks substance and doesn't provide much information.
material

Refers to the physical elements used to create something or the content used in a lesson or presentation.

  • We need more material to finish building the house.
  • The teacher handed out reading material for the course.
stuff

Informal usage referring to things in general, often when those things are not specified or important.

  • I need to pack my stuff before we leave.
  • There's a lot of old stuff in the attic.

Examples of usage

  • Matter is made up of particles.
  • The universe is composed of matter and energy.
Context #2 | Noun

importance

The substance or content of a text, speech, etc., as distinct from form or style.

Synonyms

content, importance, substance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
matter

When discussing something that is important or significant in a situation.

  • Climate change is a serious matter that needs immediate attention.
  • It's a personal matter; I don't want to discuss it right now.
content

When referring to the topics, ideas, or subjects covered in a document, book, website, or other forms of communication.

  • The content of the book was fascinating and kept me engaged from start to finish.
  • We need to update the website content to reflect the latest information.
substance

When referring to the physical material from which something is made, or the essential meaning or quality of something. Can also imply depth or significance.

  • The substance of the speech was very enlightening and thought-provoking.
  • Water is an essential substance for all known forms of life.
importance

When emphasizing the value, significance, or impact of a subject or event.

  • The importance of a balanced diet cannot be overstated.
  • They emphasized the importance of punctuality in the workplace.

Examples of usage

  • It's the ideas that matter, not the words used to express them.
  • The matter of the report is the financial situation of the company.
Context #3 | Verb

be important

Be of importance; have significance.

Synonyms

be important, be relevant, be significant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
matter

This is used when you want to indicate that something has importance or makes a difference.

  • Every vote matters in the election
  • Does it really matter if we're a few minutes late?
be important

This phrase emphasizes that something has considerable value or effect in a given situation.

  • It's important to check your work before submitting it
  • Health is more important than wealth
be significant

This phrase is used to highlight that something is sufficiently great or meaningful, often in terms of impact.

  • This donation is significant for our charity
  • The results of the study are significant for future research in this field
be relevant

This phrase is appropriate when you want to show that something is closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand.

  • Your previous job experience is relevant to this position
  • The teacher asked students to include only relevant details in their essays

Examples of usage

  • What matters most is that you are happy.
  • It doesn't matter what other people think.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'materia,' meaning 'substance' or 'timber,' linking it to the physical world.
  • In Middle English, the term evolved to include not just physical stuff but also ideas and concepts.
  • Philosophers like Aristotle used the term to refer to the stuff that makes up everything in existence.

Science

  • There are three common states of matter: solids (like ice), liquids (like water), and gases (like steam).
  • In physics, matter is defined not only by its physical properties but also by its ability to have mass and volume.
  • Recent studies have identified a fourth state known as plasma, which is found in stars, including our sun.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated what matter is since ancient times, questioning whether it’s the core of reality or just a temporary state.
  • In metaphysics, matter is often contrasted with spirit or mind, raising questions about the nature of existence.
  • The dualism concept, proposed by Descartes, separates material substance from non-material, influencing various fields, including psychology.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'it matters' became popular in motivational speeches, emphasizing the importance of actions and choices.
  • In science fiction, stories often revolve around the manipulation of matter, exploring themes of creation and destruction.
  • Movies like 'The Matrix' play with the concepts of reality and perception, challenging viewers' understanding of what ‘matters’ in their universe.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that our perception of what matters in life significantly impacts our mental well-being and happiness.
  • The term 'cognitive dissonance' describes the discomfort that arises when our beliefs about what matters conflict with our actions.
  • In mindfulness, focusing on what truly matters can lead to a more fulfilling life, enriching our relationships and personal growth.

Translations

Translations of the word "matter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 matéria

🇮🇳 पदार्थ

🇩🇪 Materie

🇮🇩 materi

🇺🇦 матерія

🇵🇱 materia

🇯🇵 物質 (ぶっしつ)

🇫🇷 matière

🇪🇸 materia

🇹🇷 madde

🇰🇷 물질 (muljil)

🇸🇦 مادة

🇨🇿 hmota

🇸🇰 hmota

🇨🇳 物质 (wùzhì)

🇸🇮 snov

🇮🇸 efni

🇰🇿 материя

🇬🇪 მასალა

🇦🇿 maddi

🇲🇽 materia

Word Frequency Rank

With position #225, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.