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

Afterward, Williams was matter-of-fact about his emotions at the end of the game. —Chicago Tribune, 30 Nov. 2024

Yet Hyde, who grew up in Idaho and Oregon, is matter-of-fact about his accomplishments. —Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024

His tone was very matter-of-fact when addressing the media following the Philadelphia 76ers’ 117-111 loss to the Grizzlies on Wednesday night. —Tony Jones, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024

Plus, Knibb’s calm, matter-of-fact demeanor in the midst of a could-be crisis moment won hearts. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

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