| 单词 | matter |
| 释义 | matter (mætəʳ ) Word forms: matters , mattering , mattered 1. countable noun B2 A matter is a task, situation, or event which you have to deal with or think about, especially one that involves problems. It was clear that she wanted to discuss some private matter. Until the matter is resolved, the athletes will be ineligible to compete. Don't you think this is now a matter for the police? [+ for] Business matters drew him to Paris. 2. plural noun [no det] B2 You use matters to refer to the situation you are talking about, especially when something is affecting the situation in some way. The new system should improve matters. If it would facilitate matters, I would be happy to come to New York. Matters took an unexpected turn. 3. singular noun If you say that a situation is a matter of a particular thing, you mean that that is the most important thing to be done or considered when you are involved in the situation or explaining it. History is always a matter of interpretation. [+ of] Observance of the law is a matter of principle for us. After that, life became a matter of defying school rules. Jack had attended these meetings as a matter of routine for years. [+ of] 4. uncountable noun Printed matter consists of books, newspapers, and other texts that are printed. Reading matter consists of things that are suitable for reading, such as books and newspapers. Better education created an ever-larger demand for printed matter. ...a rich variety of reading matter. 5. uncountable noun Matter is the physical part of the universe consisting of solids, liquids, and gases. A proton is an elementary particle of matter. He has spent his career studying how matter behaves. Synonyms: substance, material, body, stuff 6. uncountable noun You use matter to refer to a particular type of substance. They feed mostly on decaying vegetable matter. ...waste matter from industries. 7. singular noun A2 You use matter in expressions such as 'What's the matter?' or 'Is anything the matter?' when you think that someone has a problem and you want to know what it is. Carole, what's the matter? You don't seem happy. What's the matter with your office? She told him there was nothing the matter. Synonyms: problem, worry, trouble, difficulty 8. singular noun You use matter in expressions such as 'a matter of weeks' when you are emphasizing how small an amount is or how short a period of time is. [emphasis] Within a matter of days she was back at work. He expected to be at East Grinstead station in a matter of hours. This time the journey was short, a matter of four or five miles up into the hills. 9. verb [no cont] A2 If you say that something does not matter, you mean that it is not important to you because it does not have an effect on you or on a particular situation. A lot of the food goes on the floor but that doesn't matter. [VERB] As for Laura and me, the colour of our skin has never mattered. [VERB] As long as staff are smart, it does not matter how long their hair is. [VERB wh] Does it matter that people don't know this? [VERB that] Money is the only thing that matters to them. [VERB + to] Synonyms: be important, make a difference, count, be relevant 10. See also grey matter, subject matter 11. another matter/a different matter phrase B2 If you say that something is another matter or a different matter, you mean that it is very different from the situation that you have just discussed. You have to take control of your career. But relationships are a different matter. You shouldn't go there alone. If your parents take you, of course, that's another matter. 12. as a matter of phrase If you are going to do something as a matter of urgency or priority, you are going to do it as soon as possible, because it is important. You need to talk about it with your doctor as a matter of urgency. 13. no easy matter phrase If something is no easy matter, it is difficult to do it. Choosing the colour for the drawing-room walls was no easy matter. 14. that's the end of the matter/that's an end to the matter phrase If someone says that's the end of the matter or that's an end to the matter, they mean that a decision that has been taken must not be changed or discussed any more. 'He's moving in here,' Maria said. 'So that's the end of the matter.' 15. the fact of the matter/the truth of the matter phrase You use the fact of the matter is or the truth of the matter is to introduce a fact which supports what you are saying or which is not widely known, for example because it is a secret. The fact of the matter is that most people consume far more protein than they actually need. The truth of the matter is that he was having an identity crisis when he met Carina. 16. for that matter phrase You can use for that matter to emphasize that the remark you are making is true in the same way as your previous, similar remark. [emphasis] The irony was that Shawn had not seen her. Nor for that matter had anyone else. A great deal of hard work was done and, for that matter, is continuing. 17. it doesn't matter convention A2 You say 'it doesn't matter' to tell someone who is apologizing to you that you are not angry or upset, and that they should not worry. 'Did I wake you?'—'Yes, but it doesn't matter.' 18. it doesn't matter convention You say 'it doesn't matter' when someone offers you a choice between two or more things and you do not mind which is chosen. 19. no laughing matter phrase If you say that something is no laughing matter, you mean that it is very serious and not something that you should laugh or joke about. Their behaviour is an offence. It's no laughing matter. 20. make matters worse phrase B2 If you say that something makes matters worse, you mean that it makes a difficult situation even more difficult. Don't let yourself despair; this will only make matters worse. To make matters worse, it started to rain again. 21. no matter convention You say 'no matter' after you have just asked a question or mentioned an idea or doubt and you have decided that it is not really important, interesting, or worth discussing. [feelings] 'Didn't you ever read the book?' Keating shook his head. 'Well, no matter.'. 'Shoddy workmanship these days,' he remarked. 'No matter, it will still bear my weight.' 22. no matter phrase B2 You use no matter in expressions such as 'no matter how' and 'no matter what' to say that something is true or happens in all circumstances. No matter what your age, you can lose weight by following this program. No matter how often they were urged, they could not bring themselves to join in. Jenkins would reward all investors, no matter when they made their investment. Synonyms: don't worry about it, never mind, it doesn't matter, don't apologise 23. no matter what phrase If you say that you are going to do something no matter what, you are emphasizing that you are definitely going to do it, even if there are obstacles or difficulties. [emphasis] He had decided to publish the manuscript no matter what. I vowed then, no matter what, I would never be like those people. 24. a matter of opinion phrase If you say that a statement is a matter of opinion, you mean that it is not a fact, and that other people, including yourself, do not agree with it. 'We're not that contrived. We're not that theatrical.'—'That's a matter of opinion.' 25. a matter of time phrase If you say that something is just a matter of time, you mean that it is certain to happen at some time in the future. It would be only a matter of time before he went through with it. 26. a matter of life and death phrase If you say that something is a matter of life and death, you are emphasizing that it is extremely important, often because someone may die or suffer great harm if people do not act immediately. [emphasis] Well, never mind, John, it's not a matter of life and death. We're dealing with a life-and-death situation here. It is only a hobby, not a life or death struggle. 27. as a matter of course phrase If you do something as a matter of course, you do it as part of your normal work or way of life. If police are carrying arms as a matter of course then doesn't it encourage criminals to carry them? 28. as a matter of fact phrase B2 You use as a matter of fact to introduce a statement that gives more details about what has just been said, or an explanation of it, or something that contrasts with it. It's not that difficult. As a matter of fact, it's quite easy. 'I guess you haven't eaten yet.'—'As a matter of fact, I have,' said Hunter. Synonyms: actually, in fact, in reality, in truth 29. mind over matter phrase You can use the expression mind over matter to describe situations in which a person seems to be able to control events, physical objects, or the condition of their own body using their mind. Good health is simply a case of mind over matter. Quotations: What is matter? - Never mind. What is mind? - No matter Punch Idioms: mind over matter said to describe situations in which someone seems able to control events or solve a physical problem by thinking in a focused way about it Good health is simply a case of mind over matter. Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers Collocations: complex matter That makes conservation a complex matter. Times, Sunday Times (2016) You should seek legal advice as soon as possible as this could be a complex matter to resolve. Times, Sunday Times (2007) He was very popular with students because he was approachable, generous with his time and able to explain complex matters simply. Times, Sunday Times (2006) It is an internal disciplinary matter. The Sun (2008) A club official said: 'He is suspended while the club look into a disciplinary matter'. The Sun (2011) Its aim was to ensure a basic process was followed in disciplinary matters. Times, Sunday Times (2007) You've been preoccupied with various practical, family or domestic matters. Times, Sunday Times (2012) This will affect young people in all things, from the simple domestic matters right through to the emotional support they may find themselves deprived of. Working with Teenagers (1994) You've known for ages that you'd have to do something about issues involving family or domestic matters. Times, Sunday Times (2007) Focus on the most important matters on your agenda and leave petty issues for another time. The Sun (2015) The ability to take a different perspective on important matters is extremely valuable. The Sun (2012) Negotiations were shelved and more important matters attended to. Times, Sunday Times (2014) A police spokesman said: 'It's an internal matter'. Times, Sunday Times (2011) The club regards this as an internal matter and intends to make no further comment. Times, Sunday Times (2009) It doesn't like outside bodies meddling in what it sees as internal matters. Times, Sunday Times (2015) The chapter traces a development in the law, under which the offence moved from a matter of morality to one of psychology. The Times Literary Supplement The answers are not easy and the issues are complicated by matters of morality and judgmental attitudes. Times, Sunday Times These activities are absolutely fundamental to anything that we recognize as a religion, but they are neither matters of morality nor simply the straightforward expression of some cosmological belief. The Times Literary Supplement First came the loss of the ability to conduct academic discourse on matters of morality or philosophy. Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 This was a matter of necessity as well as conviction for them. The Times Literary Supplement But whatever the temptation there was to save legs for the league, injury, illness and other factors conspired to make many of the changes a matter of necessity. The Sun For some, it's a matter of necessity. Houston Chronicle On telegrams, space was at a premiumeconomically speakingand abbreviations were used as a matter of necessity. Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 As for the number of funnels in some cases the reason for sporting four was a matter of necessity in other cases it was more symbolic. Retrieved from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 What happened next, and into whose hands the manuscript subsequently fell, remains a matter of speculation and scholarly debate. The Times Literary Supplement Until now, the full extent of what he may have passed on has been a matter of speculation. Times, Sunday Times Her own role as companion, confidante and counsellor to one of the political giants of the 20th century remains largely a matter of speculation. Times, Sunday Times The fact that the union was convinced that secondary action would have won the day could only be a matter of speculation. Times, Sunday Times The guest list had been a matter of speculation for some weeks, with some celebrities known to be well liked by the prince not making the final cut. Times, Sunday Times At that point, imposing order can feel a matter of survival. Times,Sunday Times Physical activity and sporting participation were deeply inculcated into the ethos of the school and it was a matter of survival to conform. Times, Sunday Times And it's not just a matter of survival. Times, Sunday Times For the 22-year-old, shedding pounds isn't about vanity, it's a matter of survival. The Sun It was a matter of survival first, prosperity second. Times, Sunday Times This is not a minor matter. The Sun (2007) Before that, she has a few minor matters to tidy up. Times, Sunday Times (2015) Why do the courts come down so hard on minor matters? The Sun (2013) I regard that as an entirely personal matter. The Sun (2011) Like many men I find it difficult to open up on personal matters. The Sun (2012) But you're also dealing with far more personal matters, situations involving who and what you care about. Times, Sunday Times (2006) But right now he is faced by more practical matters. Times, Sunday Times (2010) Ignore all but the most pressing of practical matters. Times, Sunday Times (2010) Our conversation was confined to practical matters. THE LAST OF THE GENTLEMEN ADVENTURERS: Coming of Age in the Arctic (2004) There were more pressing matters to attend to. SPICE: The History of a Temptation (2004) The most pressing matter of all will be his future. The Sun (2006) She was too busy juggling pressing matters of work and home and family to check. Times, Sunday Times (2009) Likewise, each artist's contribution tends to be an assemblage of related matter rather than one single piece. Times, Sunday Times As important, it brings all related matters to the surface and triggers events - some entirely unexpected - that accelerate any necessary changes. Times, Sunday Times The club even assisted with arrangements for his funeral and other related matters. Times, Sunday Times She specialises in criminal, regulatory and related matters. The Sun It said that it was cooperating with 'federal, state and foreign' agencies that were seeking information and documents about a 'security incident and related matters'. Times, Sunday Times These are serious matters. The Sun (2011) Loss of face is a serious matter in Japan. Times, Sunday Times (2012) When a policeman lies to bring down a cabinet minister, it is a serious matter. Times, Sunday Times (2014) This seemed to me a relatively simple matter. Times, Sunday Times (2007) It is now a simple matter of installing software and tripping a switch. Times, Sunday Times (2010) Building factories and getting all the new technology to work together was no simple matter. DOT.CON (2001) Greatness in any field can be a largely subjective matter. Times, Sunday Times But their stories, though we keep expecting them to, rarely contradict one another, except in obviously subjective matters. The Times Literary Supplement Rivalries are the subjective matters for social media. Times,Sunday Times It is - or should be - a trivial matter. Times, Sunday Times (2013) But soon we were arguing over trivial matters. The Sun (2012) He will put each team through a series of games and questions to draw out their true feelings on trivial matters. The Sun (2013) Anyway, we have more urgent matters to address. Times, Sunday Times (2008) Many urgent matters come across a pastor's desk each week. Christianity Today (2000) We are therefore appealing for cross-party co-operation on this urgent matter. Times, Sunday Times (2011) Translations: Chinese: 事件, 有关系 Japanese: 物質, 重要である |
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