Matter: meaning, definitions and examples

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matter

 

[ ˈmadər ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
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

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

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

Examples of usage

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

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

Etymology

The word 'matter' originates from the Middle English 'matere', from Old French 'matere', from Latin 'materia' meaning 'timber, material, substance'. The concept of matter has been a fundamental part of philosophy and science since ancient times, with various theories and explanations developed over the centuries.

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.