a matter of — used to say that something depends on, is determined by, or is simply a question of the thing mentioned (e.g., time, opinion, taste, fact)
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: used to say that something depends on, is determined by, or is simply a question of the thing mentioned (e.g., time, opinion, taste, fact)
Pronunciation (IPA): /ə ˈmæt̬ɚ əv/
Example Sentences
- Getting a boyfriend? It's just a matter of time, or maybe a matter of lowering your standards.
- Whether pineapple belongs on pizza is a matter of opinion, but I know I'm right.
- For the company, cutting costs was a matter of survival.
a matter of
NOUN[/ə ˈmæt̬ɚ əv/]
used to say that something depends on, is determined by, or is simply a question of the thing mentioned (e.g., time, opinion, taste, fact)
Finishing this puzzle is just a matter of finding the last piece.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'matter' derives from Latin 'materia,' originally meaning 'material' or 'substance.' Over time, the meaning evolved from the concrete sense of physical material to the abstract concept of 'subject' or 'issue,' allowing the phrase 'a matter of' to express dependence on a particular factor or condition.
Breakdown
materia (Latin: material, substance) → matere (Old French) + of (preposition indicating relation or dependence). The phrase developed from the concrete sense of material composition to the figurative meaning of a determining factor or underlying condition.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Getting a boyfriend? It's just a matter of time, or maybe a matter of lowering your standards.”
“Whether pineapple belongs on pizza is a matter of opinion, but I know I'm right.”
“For the company, cutting costs was a matter of survival.”
“It's simply a matter of practice; you'll get better every day.”
📚Related Words
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