matter-of-fact
Definition
Meaning: Matter-of-fact describes someone who speaks or behaves in a calm, unemotional, and practical way, especially when talking about something serious or upsetting.
La signification : Matter-of-fact signifie « factuel », « pragmatique », ou « sans émotion ». On utilise cet adjectif pour décrire une personne ou un ton calme, neutre, parfois détaché, même dans des situations délicates.
Example: "She gave a matter-of-fact explanation of how the accident happened."
Grammar: Often used before a noun (e.g., “a matter-of-fact tone”) or after a verb (e.g., “He sounded matter-of-fact”).
Quote: "To be 'matter of fact' about the world is to blunder into fantasy—and dull fantasy at that, as the real world is strange and wonderful." [Tove Jansson]
Word Analysis
French equivalents »» Factuel »» Pragmatique »» Posé / Détaché Ⓐ Il a donné une réponse factuelle, sans émotion. Ⓑ Elle est restée calme et posée pendant toute la réunion. English equivalents »» Practical »» Unemotional »» Down-to-earth Ⓐ His matter-of-fact tone surprised the audience. Ⓑ She remained matter-of-fact despite the bad news.
Dialogue
Tom: "Did she panic when she heard the diagnosis?"
Laura: "Not at all. She stayed calm and spoke in a matter-of-fact way."
Tom: "Wow, that's impressive. I'd have been a wreck."
Poem Extract
Another Feeling [excerpt]
Once you saw a drove of young pigs
crossing the highway. One of them
pulling his body by the front feet,
the hind legs dragging flat.
Without thinking,
you called the Humane Society.
They came with a net and went for him.
They were matter of fact, uniformed;
Ruth Stone
Read the Full Poem
Etymology
Origin: The phrase matter-of-fact comes from legal English in the late 16th century, where it referred to the part of a case concerned with factual evidence, as opposed to matters of law. It was originally a noun phrase and began to be used adjectivally in the 18th century to describe a tone or person focused on facts rather than emotion.
Modern Usage: Widely used in everyday, professional, and literary contexts to describe a neutral or detached attitude.
Grammar Note: Matter-of-fact is a compound adjective. It typically comes before a noun or after a linking verb (e.g., “Her reaction was matter-of-fact.”).
Audience
Matter-of-fact is common in both spoken and written English, especially when discussing someone's reaction, attitude, or communication style.
When to use: Use this adjective when describing someone who is emotionally neutral, realistic, or calmly practical. Example: “His matter-of-fact explanation helped ease the team’s worries.”
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, watch the following…What does matter-of-fact mean?
MATTER OF FACT definition
WordReference
For more on idiomatic usage, visit the WordReference Forums for discussions, translations, and examples of "soothe" in context.
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» English⇄English – Discuss and learn about words and their usage.
» English⇄French – Explore translations and linguistic nuances.
» Synonyms⇄Antonyms – Contextual variations, etc.
Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Matter-of-Fact"
Speak in a matter-of-fact way
To speak calmly and unemotionally, simply stating facts without drama.
Example: "She described the accident in a matter-of-fact way, without any emotion."
Keep a straight face
To remain serious and unemotional, especially in a humorous or shocking situation.
Example: "He kept a straight face while telling the outrageous story."
Call a spade a spade
To speak plainly and directly, even if it’s blunt or unpopular.
Example: "She’s very matter-of-fact—she always calls a spade a spade."
Be all business
To behave in a serious, no-nonsense way, focused only on practical matters.
Example: "He was all business during the meeting—calm, efficient, and emotionless."
Deadpan delivery
A style of speaking or acting that is intentionally emotionless or impassive.
Example: "The comedian’s deadpan delivery made the joke even funnier."
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