matter of fact

¹

noun

1. something of a factual nature, as an actual occurrence.

2. Law.,  a statement or allegation to be judged on the basis of the evidence.

matter-of-fact

²

[mat-er-uhv-fakt]

adjective

1. adhering strictly to fact; not imaginative; prosaic; dry; commonplace.

   a matter-of-fact account of the political rally.

2. direct or unemotional; straightforward; down-to-earth.

matter of fact

noun

1. a fact that is undeniably true

2. law a statement of facts the truth of which the court must determine on the basis of the evidence before it Compare matter of law

3. philosophy a proposition that is amenable to empirical testing, as contrasted with the truths of logic or mathematics

4. actually; in fact

adjective

1. unimaginative or emotionless

   he gave a matter-of-fact account of the murder

Other Word Forms

• matter-of-factly adverb
• matter-of-factness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of matter of fact¹

First recorded in 1575–85

Origin of matter of fact²

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

As a matter of fact, 15 years ago, this golfing classic was proclaimed by the locals to be the biggest sporting event ever in the country of Wales.

From Los Angeles Times

Actually, as a matter of fact, we didn't.

From BBC

Jeffrey: As a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you.

From Los Angeles Times

“In Los Angeles right now — today, as a matter of fact — we have agents out on the streets right now making apprehensions, as you and I are speaking,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

It also advises users to double check responses for accuracy - a common caveat accompanying AI chatbots, which can be known to state false information in a matter of fact, convincing way.

From BBC

Related Words

• deadpan 
• down-to-earth 
• factual 
• pragmatic 
• sober 
• stoic 
• unvarnished