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

Tobe Hooper’s 1974 slasher masterpiece embraced its lowbrow status with its matter-of-fact title and unapologetic gore, likely seen by many as a cheap attempt to ride shock value into a quick box office gold mine. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2024

Royko's strong acerbic wit and matter-of-fact writing punched up at the powerful, giving voice to Chicago's working class. —Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 15 Sep. 2024

Alison stated her perspective in a matter-of-fact tone without strong emphasis on any one word. —Jay Sullivan, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024

The woman is matter-of-fact but not unkind; why not show this kid something about how to conduct herself? —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 15 Aug. 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