as a matter of fact

NOUN

[/æz ə ˈmætər əv fækt/]

used to emphasize the truth of what one is saying or to introduce a fact that is relevant to the discussion

💡 Concept

As a matter of fact, the meeting was canceled an hour ago.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/æz ə ˈmætər əv fækt/

🇬🇧 UK/æz ə ˈmætər əv fækt/

🌳Etymology

Origin

This phrase began appearing in English around the 14th century, evolving from legal terminology meaning 'a matter of fact' in court proceedings. 'Matter' derives from Latin materia (substance, subject matter), while 'fact' comes from Latin factum (thing done, accomplished deed). The expression developed from its formal juridical sense into a common colloquial phrase used to introduce factual statements.

Breakdown

matter (Latin materia: subject, substance) + fact (Latin factum: something done, established deed). The compound phrase literally means 'a question of established fact' or 'the substance of what is true.'

🎵Rhyme

factactpacttact

fact

act

pact

tact

🔗Collocations

as a matter of fact, I...

well, as a matter of fact

as a matter of fact, yes

but as a matter of fact

as a matter of fact, no

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“As a matter of fact, I've been secretly practicing K-pop dances in my room for three years.”

“As a matter of fact, this project was completed ahead of schedule.”

😄 Fun example

“You think I can't cook? As a matter of fact, I once made ramen so good that my cat meowed for more.”

“As a matter of fact, the research shows different results than we expected.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

actuallyin factindeedin realityto tell the truth

Antonyms

supposedlyallegedlypresumably

honestlyfranklytruthfullygenuinelyliterally

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as a matter of fact — used to emphasize the truth of what one is saying or to introduce a fact that is relevant to the discussion

Example Sentences