matter-of-fact

adjective

mat·​ter-of-fact ˌma-tər-ə(v)-ˈfakt How to pronounce matter-of-fact (audio)
: adhering to the unembellished facts
also : being plain, straightforward, or unemotional
matter-of-factly adverb
matter-of-factness noun

Examples of matter-of-fact in a Sentence

a matter-of-fact recitation of the events of the last week a matter-of-fact woman who didn't worry about "what ifs"
Recent Examples on the Web Though Gotham stories are always primed for whimsical plot twists, there’s a matter-of-fact quality to Folie à Deux that is likely going to come as a disappointment to fans expecting theatrical bombast. Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 4 Oct. 2024 The tone regarding slavery and race relations is unflinching, historically accurate, complicated and matter-of-fact without being didactic. Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 Tobe Hooper’s 1974 slasher masterpiece embraced its lowbrow status with its matter-of-fact title and unapologetic gore, likely seen by many as a cheap attempt to ride shock value into a quick box office gold mine. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2024 Royko's strong acerbic wit and matter-of-fact writing punched up at the powerful, giving voice to Chicago's working class. Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 15 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for matter-of-fact 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'matter-of-fact.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of matter-of-fact was in 1712

Dictionary Entries Near matter-of-fact

Cite this Entry

“Matter-of-fact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matter-of-fact. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

matter-of-fact

adjective
mat·​ter-of-fact
ˌmat-ə-rə(v)-ˈfakt
: sticking to fact
a matter-of-fact account
also : being plain, straightforward, or unemotional
described the accident in a matter-of-fact way
matter-of-factly
-ˈfak-(t)lē
adverb

Legal Definition

matter of fact

see matter

More from Merriam-Webster on matter-of-fact

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