easy
Water, air, and rocks are forms of matter.
What does Matter mean?
physical material, a subject, or something that is important.
Dictionary definition
In science, anything that has mass and occupies space; matter can also mean a subject or situation, and as a verb it means to be important.
Example sentences
Matter in a sentence
medium
The class discussed the matter before choosing a solution.
hard
Accurate measurements matter because poor data can change a scientific conclusion.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice matter in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Matter
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What is matter in science?
Matter includes solids, liquids, gases, and other physical forms.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses matter to mean a subject or situation?
Here, matter means an issue or subject being discussed.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses matter as a verb?
Here, matter means to be important.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Matter
Voice settings
Sounds like
mat · er · strongest beat: mat
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordMatter.
Partnoun, verb.
MeaningMatter means physical material, a subject, or something that is important.
ExampleExample: Water, air, and rocks are forms of matter.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- mat · er
- Strongest beat
- mat
- Ending
- er
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on mat.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Matter
Antonym review
Does Matter have an opposite?
Matter has physical-material, subject, and importance senses but no single direct antonym. Vacuum and empty space contrast with matter in some physics contexts, not with every meaning.
Synonym practice
Want to practice matter synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The matter in the jar took up space," then compare close word choices. Practice matter synonyms.
Word family
Matter word family
Base word
matter
noun
matters
Subjects or situations; as a verb, it means is important.
verb
mattered
Was important in the past.
adjective
matterless
Containing no matter, mainly in technical or speculative contexts.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Matter
Hint for students
In science, matter is physical material; elsewhere it can mean a subject or mean be important.
Common mix-up
Matter is not limited to solid objects. Liquids and gases are matter because they have mass and occupy space.
Try it in class or at home
Students sort cards into physical matter, subject or issue, and is important, underline context clues, then test whether air occupies space using a safe classroom demonstration.
Teacher prompt
Compare matter in 'Air is matter,' 'Discuss the matter,' and 'Measurements matter.' What grammatical and context clues reveal each sense?
Science Word Wheels
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Spin either grade-banded wheel to revisit this word alongside related science ideas. Choose the level that best fits the learner or lesson.
Learning activities
Practice Matter and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice MATTER” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice MATTER
Sentence Builder
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