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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep practicing until your delivery becomes smooth and matter-of-fact. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 The plotline’s matter-of-fact profanity at once punctured any sense of simplistic morality and underlined that world events always coexist with everyday indignities. Alison Herman, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025 On his website, his tone is matter-of-fact, straightforward, focused only on the pursuit of the truth. Maddy Crowell, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 The father-and-son-like tensions between Basem and Adam (presented with matter-of-fact frankness) are a central fixture of the movie’s drama, resulting in a pair of deeply alluring performances that always feel on the verge of explosion. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for matter-of-fact

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

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

Cite this Entry

“Matter-of-fact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matter-of-fact. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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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