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Definition matter in British English

matter noun

noun
/ˈmætə(r)/
1

something that you are discussing, considering, or dealing with

Example

Teachers feel this is a matter for discussion with parents.

Example

an extremely important matter

Synonyms and related words
Example

You look sad. What's the matter?

Example

What's the matter with the car?

Example

I think there's something the matter with the printer.

Example

There's nothing the matter with you - you're just tired.

Synonyms and related words
3

a situation that someone is involved in

Example

Her angry attitude didn't improve matters.

Example

The parcel arrived late and, to make matters worse, it wasn't what we had ordered.

Synonyms and related words
Example

You can improve the soil by adding composted organic matter.

Synonyms and related words
4.1

the physical substance that everything in the world is made of

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4.2

the yellow substance that a part of your body produces when it is infected

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5

used for emphasizing how short a period of time is

Example

The school could close in a matter of a few weeks.

Synonyms and related words
Definition matter in British English