May 24, 2011 - Word of the Day: matter

Today's word of the day comes from Marzia who wants to know how to use "matter." This word generally refers to situations, but it does have some very specific applications:

• What's the matter? (What's the problem?)
• It doesn't matter. (Sometimes this means "I don't care." Other times it means, "It's okay." It depends on the situation.)
• No matter what I do, I can't figure out this problem. (I try and try again, but all the work that goes into this doesn't make any difference.)
• This is no laughing matter. (This is a serious situation.)
• These decisions matter. (These decisions have consequences and affect people.)
• As a matter of fact, I'm kind of hungry. (As a matter of fact = in truth; in fact)

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