Definition of "matter" in English

noun

1. (uncountable) Material; substance.

2. An affair, condition, or subject, especially one of concern or (especially when preceded by the) one that is problematic.

   • Something is the matter with him.
   • The diplomats met to discuss state matters.

3. An approximate amount or extent.

   • I stayed for a matter of months.

4. (countable, law) Legal services provided by a lawyer or firm to their client in relation to a particular issue.

   • Please find attached an invoice for three outstanding matters.

5. (obsolete) Essence; pith; embodiment.

6. (obsolete) (The) inducing cause or reason, especially of anything disagreeable or distressing.

7. (dated, medicine) Pus.

8. (uncountable) Importance.

verb

1. (intransitive, stative) To be important.

   • The only thing that matters to Jim is being rich.
   • Sorry for pouring ketchup on your clean white shirt! - Oh, don't worry, it does not matter.

2. (transitive, in negative constructions, now England regional, Caribbean) To care about, to mind; to find important.

   • Besides, if it had been out of doors I had not mattered it so much; but with my own servant, in my own house, under my own roof […]

3. (intransitive, medicine, archaic) To form pus or matter, as an abscess; to maturate.