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