that which has mass and occupies space
"physicists study both the nature of matter and the forces which govern it"
(used with negation) having consequence
"they were friends and it was no matter who won the games"
written works (especially in books or magazines)
"he always took some reading matter with him on the plane"
Substance, material.
"The mysterious substance that coated the floor turned out to be a rare mineral matter found only in deep caves."
The basic structural component of the universe. Matter usually has mass and volume.
"The physicist explained that even though light travels through space, it is not considered matter because it lacks both mass and volume."
In plain English: Matter is anything that has weight and takes up space, like the air you breathe or the phone in your hand.
"The weather does not matter if we bring an umbrella."
Usage: Use "matter" as a noun to refer to physical substance that has mass and takes up space, such as in the phrase "all matter is made of atoms." Do not use it to mean "important thing" or "issue," which requires a different context entirely.
To be important.
"I don't care what you say because it doesn't really matter to me."
In plain English: To matter means to be important or make a difference.
"It does not matter if you arrive late, as long as you call ahead."
Usage: Use "matter" as a verb to indicate that something is significant or makes a difference, often in questions like "Does it matter?" or statements such as "It matters little." Avoid using it to mean physical substance; for that concept, use the noun form instead.
A surname.
"Her grandmother, Mrs. Matter, always insisted on serving tea at exactly four o'clock."
The word "matter" comes from the Latin māteria, meaning "wood," which itself derives from māter ("mother"). It entered Middle English through Anglo-Norman and Old French before eventually replacing the native Old English term andweorc.