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matter-of-fact

matter-of-fact

12 5.6
Calm and direct about facts without strong feeling
  • adjective
  • /ˌmætər əv ˈfækt/
translation icon : desapasionado
  • During the meeting, she presented the data in a matter-of-fact manner, emphasizing clarity and straightforwardness.
  • matter-of-fact way
  • matter-of-fact response
  • very matter-of-fact

And he was so he was so matter of fact, you know what I mean?

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Examples

  • In his most matter-of-fact way, he gave me my first order as an officer of the United States cavalry.

  • The stories are told in a rather matter-of-fact way, though one can discern underlying suspense and tension.

    Academic text (2018)
  • My mum told me in a very kind of matter of fact way that has probably affected me in in a negative way.

  • We're shifting from reading the news and talking about it in a matter of fact manner to high emotions.

  • I also loved the way she was so matter-of-fact about her plans for the future.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The thing about Evan's obsession with death was that it was so matter-of-fact.

  • We were accepted in an almost matter-of-fact way by many, and Betty's circle of friends accepted me warmly.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Many lawyers tend to be analytical and matter-of-fact, possibly neglecting to show adequate empathy with the client.

    Academic text (1995)
  • She described the situation in a matter-of-fact tone, focusing only on the facts without any emotion.

  • He was very matter-of-fact about his decision to move, explaining the practical details without getting sentimental.

Synonyms

plain
vsmatter-of-fact
89 2.0

Said in a simple, direct way without hiding the truth

is more detached and focused on facts rather than direct blunt expression
pragmatic
vsmatter-of-fact
64 6.3

Being practical and realistic when solving problems

attends to factual, unemotional detail rather than just finding practical solutions
no-nonsense
vsmatter-of-fact
22 4.6

Serious and practical, refusing silly or unnecessary things

is less about strict rules and more about simple facts without emotion
unsentimental
vsmatter-of-fact
4 6.2

Not showing strong feelings and focusing on the facts

focuses on careful factual detail and practical matters rather than emotional tone
pragmatical
vsmatter-of-fact
  • Archaic
7.9

Dealing with problems in a sensible, practical way to get results

focuses on unemotional facts and practical details rather than theoretical thinking

Antonyms

535 2.1

Showing strong feelings that are easy to see

134 5.9

Based on a person's feelings or opinions rather than facts

How Emotional

emotional
535 2.1
expressive
41 3.4
neutral
218 3.6
matter-of-fact
12 5.6
impassive
11 7.1

Surface Forms

matter-of-fact positive

Morphology

matter-of-fact = matter + fact (semi-transparent) = matter + fact

The components 'matter' and 'fact' are clear, but the fixed phrase 'matter of fact' has become an idiomatic adjectival meaning ('unemotional, pragmatic') that is not entirely predictable from the parts.

Etymology

Matter-of-fact comes from putting together matter ('thing') and fact ('something true'), so it literally means 'about true things'. A helpful way to remember it is to imagine someone who talks only about facts, with no feelings, which is why matter-of-fact describes a calm, straightforward way of speaking.