matter
|mat/ter|
🇺🇸
/ˈmætər/
🇬🇧
/ˈmætə/
substance or importance
Etymology
'matter' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'materia,' where 'materia' meant 'substance or material.'
'materia' transformed into the Old French word 'matere,' and eventually became the modern English word 'matter' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'substance or material,' but over time it evolved to include meanings related to importance and topics of discussion.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
physical substance in general, as distinct from mind and spirit.
The universe is composed of matter and energy.
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Noun 2
an affair or situation under consideration; a topic.
The matter at hand is of great importance.
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Verb 1
to be of importance; have significance.
It doesn't matter what they think.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35