matter of fact

¹

noun

1. something of a factual nature, as an actual occurrence.
2. Law. a statement or allegation to be judged on the basis of the evidence.

matter-of-fact

²

[ mat-er-uhv-fakt ]

adjective

1. adhering strictly to fact; not imaginative; prosaic; dry; commonplace:

   a matter-of-fact account of the political rally.

2. direct or unemotional; straightforward; down-to-earth.

matter of fact

noun

1. a fact that is undeniably true
2. law a statement of facts the truth of which the court must determine on the basis of the evidence before it Compare matter of law
3. philosophy a proposition that is amenable to empirical testing, as contrasted with the truths of logic or mathematics
4. as a matter of fact
   actually; in fact

adjective

1. unimaginative or emotionless

   he gave a matter-of-fact account of the murder

Other Words From

• matter-of-factly adverb
• matter-of-factness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of matter of fact¹

First recorded in 1575–85

Origin of matter of fact²

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

“I said, ‘Yes, as a matter of fact, I did.’

From Los Angeles Times

“As a matter of fact, get out of the car.”

From BBC

“Not only as a matter of law but also as a matter of fact, the federal conscience laws have protected pro-life doctors ever since FDA approved mifepristone in 2000,” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

“As a matter of fact, I still go to them,” he said.

From Seattle Times

Sheldon is someone who’s very literal and matter of fact, not really likely to express emotions or know how to deal with social situations or relationships.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deadpan
• down-to-earth
• factual
• pragmatic
• sober
• stoic
• unvarnished