matter-of-fact

adjective

mat·​ter-of-fact ˌma-tər-ə(v)-ˈfakt 

: adhering to the unembellished facts

also : being plain, straightforward, or unemotional

matter-of-factly

ˌma-tər-ə(v)-ˈfak(t)-lē 

adverb

matter-of-factness

ˌma-tər-ə(v)-ˈfak(t)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• documentary
• factual
• hard
• historical
• literal
• nonfictional
• objective
• true

Examples of matter-of-fact in a Sentence

a matter-of-fact recitation of the events of the last week

a matter-of-fact woman who didn't worry about "what ifs"

Recent Examples on the Web

The 28-year-old’s matter-of-fact response is backed by an impressive resume. —James Boyd, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025

The novel is propulsive; its drama immediate and matter-of-fact. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025

He’s easily distracted by sounds or activity, often needs questions repeated and uses abrupt matter-of-fact phrases that could be considered rude, the filings said. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 5 Mar. 2025

Years later, Max had a similar, matter-of-fact view when his son considered signing on to clear wreckage from the worst season in major-league history. —Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for matter-of-fact

• overreact
• abstract
• attacked
• attract
• contact
• contract
• detract
• distract
• enact
• exact
• extract
• hijacked

Kids Definition

matter-of-fact

adjective

mat·​ter-of-fact

ˌmat-ə-rə(v)-ˈfakt

: sticking to fact

a matter-of-fact account

also : being plain, straightforward, or unemotional

described the accident in a matter-of-fact way

matter-of-factly

-ˈfak-(t)lē

adverb

Legal Definition

matter of fact

see matter