How to Pronounce Matter

To pronounce "matter", say MATT-er — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈmætə/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

matter

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/ˈmætə/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “matter”

"matter" has 2 syllables: matt-er. It rhymes with patter and clatter, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: mater — easy to mix up when writing.

What does matter mean?

noun

  1. Substance, material.
  2. A condition, subject or affair, especially one of concern.

    “What's the matter?;   state matters”

verb

  1. To be important.

    “Sorry for pouring ketchup on your clean white shirt! - Oh, don't worry, it does not matter.”

  2. (in negative constructions) To care about, to mind; to find important.

Synonyms

materialstuffsubstancesignify

Hear “matter” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with matter

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

patterclatterchatterspattersplattershattermaternatterblatterbattersmatterscatter

Related words

weighissuecountmaterialsubstancetopicthingsubject

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "matter"?▾

"Matter" has 2 syllables: matt · er.

What is the IPA transcription of "matter"?▾

The IPA transcription of "matter" is /ˈmætə/.

What does "matter" mean?▾

Matter: Substance, material.

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