matter of course

¹

noun

1. something that follows in logical, natural, or customary sequence or that is treated as such.

   After such reprisals, war followed as a matter of course.

matter-of-course

²

[mat-er-uhv-kawrs, -kohrs]

adjective

1. occurring or proceeding in or as if in the logical, natural, or customary course of things; expected or inevitable.

2. accepting things as occurring in their natural course, or characterized by an acceptance of things as such.

   to be matter-of-course in confronting the difficulties of existence.

matter of course

noun

1. an event or result that is natural or inevitable

adjective

1. (usually postpositive) occurring as a matter of course

2. accepting things as inevitable or natural

   a matter-of-course attitude

Word History and Origins

Origin of matter of course¹

First recorded in 1730–40

Origin of matter of course²

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Strictly producers have a back-up plan in place if needed, but a spokesman for the programme tells us they do that every year as a matter of course.

From BBC

Unlike the PET file, Downing Street would not receive the results of such a process as a matter of course, even in an extremely high-profile appointment.

From BBC

Even the sleepiest off-season Sunday can suddenly erupt into the latest melodramatic controversy, with rumours, counter-rumours and abrupt U-turns a matter of course.

From BBC

It’s so rare because failure — by pitchers as well as batters — is expected as a matter of course.

From Los Angeles Times

GMP said "as a matter of course" it had been in contact with Counter Terrorism Policing North West who had "offered advice" on some of the materials seized.

From BBC