请输入您要查询的英文单词:

 

单词 matter
释义

Definition of matter in English:

matter

noun ˈmatəˈmædər
  • 1mass noun Physical substance in general, as distinct from mind and spirit; (in physics) that which occupies space and possesses rest mass, especially as distinct from energy.

    物质

    the structure and properties of matter

    物质的结构和特性。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • Thus dark energy is intrinsically relativistic and is more like energy than matter.
    • When ionizing radiations pass through matter, energy is deposited in the material concerned.
    • With their knowledge, the spaceships could become mass, matter, energy or any form of radiation.
    • This is the amount of heat energy necessary to change the phase or state of matter from liquid to gas.
    • The metaphor my old physics professor liked was that matter is energy tied into knots.
    • As a result, the energy exchange between matter and radiation becomes less efficient.
    • The electromagnetic spectrum describes all matter as wave frequencies.
    • Physics is the science which deals with properties and interactions of matter and energy.
    • In the universe matter and physical space are in permanent dynamic equilibrium.
    • I'm not sure if the anti-matter and matter particles annihilating each other produces some kind of energy.
    • For the physicist, time and space, along with matter, form part of the equipment that the universe comes with.
    • In general, the distinction between matter and antimatter is somewhat arbitrary.
    • For one thing, how can empty space explode without there being matter or energy?
    • They're a bit like caps on a shaken soda bottle, and upwelling matter and energy can blow at any moment.
    • Where do space, matter, energy, and the forces of nature come from?
    • Why is the universe made of matter and not equal parts of matter and antimatter?
    • Their properties are determined locally by the changing patterns of matter and energy residing within them.
    • Inflation involves a curious change in the properties of matter at very high energies known as a phase transition.
    • Right now the dominant forms of energy in our Universe are matter and vacuum energy.
    • Einstein described what we call gravity as curves in space and time, created by matter and energy.
    Synonyms
    material, substance, stuff, medium
    1. 1.1usually with adjective A particular substance.
      organic matter

      有机物。

      faecal matter

      排泄物。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Whether the soil is heavy clay or sandy and very free draining, it can be greatly improved by the addition of bulky organic matter.
      • Compost is the living, black material that is made from rotting fruits, grains and other organic matter.
      • The idea worked with vegetable matter but slugs, being slimier, tended to clog an essential filter.
      • What happens is without the addition of organic matter, the soil in our gardens eventually become lifeless.
      • If an animal consumes both meat and vegetable matter, what is the scientific term by which it is called?
      • Beans interplanted with corn help add organic matter and fix nitrogen at the same time.
      • Clean out all of the warm weather crops and add organic matter and fertilizer and work them well into the soil.
      • The latrines had a heater beneath, which would burn the faecal matter slowly without causing any smell.
      • Layers of leaves or other organic matter are sometimes added to speed decomposition.
      • Five of the sites were sandy soils and five were clays or soils high in organic matter.
      • It can be discounted here because of the absence of clay minerals and organic matter in freshly erupted ash.
      • More often than not these kinds of infections are caused through faecal matter but there were no reports of any incidents of that sort on that day.
      • The most important of all the routine is the checking of the faecal matter of the animal and how it urinates.
      • Students of a nearby school found poisonous organic matter in water samples they studied.
      • The grey colour and the preservation of organic matter reflect waterlogged conditions and reducing pore waters.
      • They eat vegetable matter, dead insects and reportedly even enjoy dining on the odd bird dropping.
      • Be careful not to overmix the layers, as this can bury organic matter too deeply.
      • This basically boils down to adding lots of lovely organic matter.
      • If your soil is high in clay or sand, add organic matter to break up clay particles for better drainage.
      • Soils with more clay and organic matter tend to hold water and dissolved chemicals longer.
      Synonyms
      material, substance, stuff, medium
    2. 1.2 Written or printed material.
      书面材料;印刷品
      reading matter

      读物。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Reading matter is transcribed into Braille for her, and she also uses audiotapes.
      • Many toilets now place reading matter above the urinal so that you don't even have to think about either eye contact or talking.
      • This is no modern day phenomenon, as I discovered in my reading matter.
      • I have finished the books I am reviewing and have come to the magic moment when I get to choose some reading matter.
      • I've seen people have all kinds of reading matter in the bathroom, whether it's on a shelf, on the floor or in a dedicated rack.
      • Note, too, the excellent timeline and illustrated reading matter.
      • We grew impatient waiting for the next dose of reading matter.
      • Men don't bring that perspective to their reading matter.
      • After that Herb always sent me reading matter by various Indonesia experts.
      • Any readers who can suggest suitable reading matter or anything else to keep him amused would be doing me a favour.
      • I am not one to equivocate the past so I will move on to current reading matter.
      • Information is provided on the availability of reading matter and its suitability.
      • But the middle classes demanded cheaper and more accessible reading matter.
      • One certainty is that you will not fill the void with personal jottings or reading matter.
      • Any course on psychotherapy should include this book as additional reading matter.
      • The wall of shelves behind me contains more printed matter and a host of highly various items.
      • For want of something better to say today, here's a couple of rather wonderful quotes from my present reading matter.
      • Sometimes you need reading matter from a universe without emotional complications.
      • Reading matter in the form of newspapers and magazines was available.
      • A similar dearth of reading matter prevails in other school subjects.
  • 2A subject or situation under consideration.

    事情;问题

    a great deal of work was done on this matter

    围绕这件事情已经做了大量的工作。

    financial matters

    排泄物。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • The falling bodily strength of teenagers is a matter requiring serious consideration on a national level.
    • He has no say in the decision, but said he had urged the council to give the matter serious consideration.
    • You can trust your intuition and gut feelings about family situations and professional matters.
    • It was time to turn the subject back to the matter at hand.
    • He paused, having nothing further to say on the matter and then changed subject.
    • It was this experience that called my attention to the matter under consideration.
    • A brief consideration of the matter shows that it is a serious situation.
    • First, there are the occasional free-ranging debates on matters of great issue.
    • I don't see how one can be objective about subjective matters.
    • The cabinet consideration of those matters is appropriate and I stand by it.
    • They were asking me about it last night, and I started trying to explain when the subject turned to other matters.
    • A spokesman said later that they were taking an interest and were giving the matter careful consideration.
    • The summiteers would like to keep their meeting focused on bilateral matters.
    • Within this latter group lies cutlery, perhaps the most banal and uninteresting of eating-related subject matters.
    • The fact is, most of us find financial matters rather dull and often complicated.
    • In recent years the matter has been subjected to renewed debate, yet it is still poorly understood.
    • What is being ruled out by these considerations is doubt concerning matters which are fundamental to our linguistic and other practices.
    • Magistrates were also asked to take 53 further matters into consideration.
    • A Scottish Executive spokesman said matters arising from the inquiry were a matter for the Crown Office.
    • All the above noted issues are matters for discussion and consideration.
    Synonyms
    affair, business, proceeding, situation, circumstance, event, happening, occurrence, incident, episode, occasion, experience, thing
    subject, topic, issue, question, point, point at issue, item, case, concern, theme
    1. 2.1Law Something which is to be tried or proved in court; a case.
      〔律〕(法庭审问或证明的)事项;案件
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Of course, it will be open to the claimants to place the matter before the Court of Appeal if so advised.
      • Admittedly, the second applicant could have brought the matter before the High Court.
      • Accordingly the Full Court ordered that the matter be remitted to the primary judge.
      • By the time the matter came before the Court of Appeal, in December 2000, the Act had come into force.
      • This, assuming he is honest and vigilant, he should be able to do, at any rate when the matter comes before the court.
    2. 2.2matters The present state of affairs.
      事态
      we can do nothing to change matters

      我们对改变事态无能为力。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • His defence of spin is not unreasonable: of course politicians do what they can to present matters in the light that reflects best on them.
      • The exploitation of the oil fields has further complicated matters and pushed the possibility of a peaceful settlement further away.
      • To make matters worse, our affair had been common knowledge amongst most members of her family.
      • It has to be said that this was a very poor affair and to make matters even worse from a Johnville point of view, they lost the game.
      • As if to further even up matters, both sides fielded with a number of notable absentees.
      Synonyms
      transactions, concerns, matters, activities, dealings, undertakings, ventures, proceedings
  • 3the matterwith negative or in questions The reason for distress or a problem.

    麻烦;问题

    what's the matter?

    废物。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • That rational part of me says, it's just another wave, what's the matter with you?
    • What's the matter with the good old reliable stuff you already had?
    • What is the matter with this man and his brain-to-mouth impediment?
    • The only road to the two farms is by the lane which has been used for centuries, so what is the matter with it now?
    • I don't know what's the matter with me but obviously I was off sick the day that the lobotomies were done at school.
    • Two years ago I would have wondered what was the matter with the dog.
    • If you do not find him funny there is something the matter with you.
    • What's the matter with you, do you really hate being part of this band so much?
    • That sentence might be a Rorschach test: if you find nothing much the matter with it, you are an unsaved academic.
    • What is the matter with me?
    • This morning when I got up heavy lidded and still half asleep he wondered what was the matter with me.
    • There's nothing the matter with practical training for the immediate future.
    Synonyms
    problem, trouble, difficulty, upset, distress, worry, bother, complication
  • 4The substance or content of a text as distinct from its style or form.

    文稿内容

    Example sentencesExamples
    • It's also not a show that's performed very often - and having seen the content matter, I can see why.
    Synonyms
    content, subject matter, text, argument, substance, thesis, sense, purport, gist, pith, essentials, burden
    1. 4.1Printing The body of a printed work, as distinct from titles, headings, etc.
      〔印刷〕正文
    2. 4.2Logic The particular content of a proposition, as distinct from its form.
      文稿内容
verb ˈmatəˈmædər
[no object]
  • 1usually with negative or in questions Be important or significant.

    要紧,有重要性

    it doesn't matter what the guests wear

    客人穿什么样的衣服并不重要。

    what did it matter to them?

    这对他们有什么要紧的?

    Example sentencesExamples
    • It doesn't matter to me, but, again, I thought it might be important to some.
    • Football is a pretty good example: you can usually tell when the result of a game doesn't matter to one side.
    • I don't think it mattered to him and I suspect it didn't matter to most of the audience.
    • It didn't seem to matter to Paul - within seconds he was able to answer your query.
    • It didn't matter to the producers what the name actually meant.
    • It doesn't matter to me whether it's a big game or one in the lower divisions.
    • Ideas matter to all of us who enter public life, particularly at the national level.
    • You bet, but money was on the line, and that, I'm afraid, is the only loyalty that should matter to a professional gambler.
    • You know, you may feel good or bad about who wins, but it doesn't really matter to your life.
    • It didn't really matter to me who won last night in Melbourne.
    • Sure it's nice if they needed the money or whatever, but if I don't see a penny of it, then it don't matter to me.
    • However, that didn't matter to the vociferous home support who cheered their side's maiden league victory to the echo.
    • When I was younger I never really cared much for this, as it didn't seem to matter to me.
    • For instance, we purposefully deflect our gaze from features that would normally matter to us.
    • It didn't matter to them who they were drawn against in the quarterfinal.
    • Material things are not important and don't matter to us anymore.
    • Things that used to matter to her before didn't matter now that she had this.
    • Racing should welcome the white paper because at long last the government are tackling issues which matter to punters.
    • This, understandably, didn't matter to those decked out in blue and red.
    • It doesn't really matter to me who is prime minister, who's president, who has what job.
    Synonyms
    importance, consequence, significance, note, import, moment, weight, interest
    make any difference, make a difference, be important, be of importance, be of consequence, signify, be of significance, be relevant, be of account, carry weight, count
    informal cut any ice
    1. 1.1 (of a person) be important or influential.
      (人物)有重要性;有影响
      she was trying to get known by the people who matter

      她在尽力让那些重要人物知道她。

      Synonyms
      be influential, have influence, be important
  • 2US rare (of a wound) secrete or discharge pus.

    〈罕〉(伤口)化脓,流脓

    Synonyms
    fester, form pus, swell up, gather, discharge, rot, run, weep, ooze, come to a head

Phrases

  • for that matter

    • Used to indicate that a subject, though mentioned second, is as relevant as the first.

      就这一点来说,在这一问题上

      I am not sure what value it adds to determining public, or for that matter private, policy

      我不能肯定它对确定公众政策或就此问题而言,对确定个人决策能增添什么价值。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • I would never want to be around someone like her, or her loser brother for that matter.
      • Much more enjoyable, dare I say, and for that matter considerably more informative.
      • Odd, as today wasn't all that cold, and nor was yesterday, for that matter, but there you go.
      • What effect did it have on the scholars around the world, and for that matter, the public?
      • One has to add considerable extra time to one's journey just to get out of town or into it, for that matter.
      • No, it is not like I was a model to be emulated in school, or college for that matter.
      • In my day we never dreamed of billing and cooing in public, or in private for that matter.
      • There is no room for second best in this industry or in any industry for that matter.
      • Can we imagine that he would still be teaching, or for that matter that he would be anything more than a pariah?
      • What does it mean to have a professional life or a private life for that matter?
  • in the matter of

    • As regards.

      至于,关于,在…方面

      the British are given pre-eminence in the matter of tea

      在用茶方面英国人享有杰出地位。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • But my sympathy is entirely with him in the matter of this guy squirting water into his face.
      • It has also proved unfair to women, leaving out choice in the matter of reproductive rights.
      • To her further credit, she has also agreed to let sanity be our guide in the matter of whether a medium-sized family suitcase is any place for a surfboard.
      • But it isn't only in the matter of sharing water that the states tend to act in an irresponsible manner.
      • I have received some enlightenment in the matter of column position.
      • It is highly influential in the matter of selling wine to restaurants, hotels and high-income consumers.
      • But corruption is rife in the matter of distribution of cards and relief goods.
      • It is not so easy to justify extravagance in the matter of funerals.
      • The mind of human beings is too complex and too unpredictable, especially in the matter of love, of relationships and of love.
      • I believe this is precisely the case in the matter of whether or not to extend the arm before the lunge, as it is in so many others.
      Synonyms
      regarding, concerning, with reference to, referring to, with regard to, with respect to, respecting, relating to, in relation to, on, touching on, dealing with, relevant to, with relevance to, in the context of, connected with, on the subject of, in the matter of, apropos, re
  • it is only a matter of time

    • There will not be long to wait.

      只是时间问题;不会太久

      it's only a matter of time before the general is removed

      离将军下台不会太久了。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • But they have pledged to be back next year, and say it is only a matter of time before they register their first success in the borough.
      • They say it is only a matter of time before someone is injured.
      • Going by the recent weather it is only a matter of time before someone invents an umbrella with sun cream dispenser at the handle.
      • Remember, if such lawlessness is allowed to go unchecked it is only a matter of time before you become the next victim.
      • But barring ill health on his part, it is only a matter of time until he becomes chairman.
      • Given the speed at which these vehicles approach the blind corners in the village it is only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs.
      • All products are merged into one another, and it is only a matter of time before it is out of your control and there is one single super-product left.
      • Knowing the standard of magazines in our house, it is only a matter of time…
      • Publicans and members of the public there feel it is only a matter of time before the ban is introduced across Europe.
      • I think it is only a matter of time with Michael, but we can't wait on that.
  • a matter of

    • 1No more than (a specified period of time)

      不超过(一段时间)

      they were shown the door in a matter of minutes

      没过几分钟他们就被赶出了门。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • It was getting towards sun down, and she reached her apartment in a matter of 25 minutes.
      • He was on his feet and out the door in a matter of seconds.
      • In a matter of seconds the door was off its hinges.
      • Some cab customers may think it's just a matter of luck that a driver is at their door in a matter of minutes.
      • Then, if an unexpected caller knocks at the door, the resident is able to summon help in a matter of minutes.
      • The water is very cold and hypothermia can occur in a matter of minutes if exposed to the water.
      • We didn't have to wait too long though and got seated in a matter of ten minutes or so.
      • Whatever they decide their whole future will be decided in a matter of a couple of minutes.
      • It only needs to take you a matter of minutes every month, but it will help us to literally change the world.
      • Police have condemned the youngsters involved in at least four incidents in a matter of weeks.
    • 2A thing that involves or depends on.

      事关,关系到,取决于

      it's a matter of working out how to get something done

      这关系到如何办成事的问题。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • This is more than just a liberal cause, it is a matter of basic principle - and it involves us all.
      • Tea terminology is a matter of concern to tea drinkers and also to cooks who are using tea as a flavouring.
      • It's a matter of all the players involved in the club progressing on from last year.
      • Whether his political standpoint is your cup of tea is a matter of choice.
      • The extent to which that strategy needed to be dependent on the computer is a matter of dispute.
    • 3Something that evokes (a specified feeling)

      (引起特定感觉的)事情

      it's a matter of complete indifference to me

      这是我根本不关心的事。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • The nature of their current relationship must remain a matter for conjecture.
      • I think that perhaps the best way for me to cope with being over-weight is to make it a matter for jollity.
      • If Australia somehow pull off victory this week, it should not be a matter for national mourning.
      • If his behaviour becomes a matter for moderator concern, that's a bit different.
      • On this basis, the spillage of a million tons of oil is indeed a matter for ecological concern.
      • That human rights enjoy such prestige is a matter for rejoicing, but it is somewhat beside the point.
      • His death is no more a matter for public grief than the death of my grandmother.
      • By the later Middle Ages, the right to a coat of arms had become a matter for social pride and strict control.
      • What is a matter for concern is that no one said a word to these children.
  • a matter of course

    • The usual or expected thing.

      理所当然的事,必然的结果

      the reports are published as a matter of course

      这些报告理所当然要出版。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • There is a flow and an intermingling, a cross-fertilisation, that takes place as a matter of course.
      • Shouting as others talk is a matter of course, and as long as you don't use the word liar it seems that you can say pretty much anything.
      • Sponsors want a return on their investment and visual awareness, through branding, is a matter of course.
      • It is so much an everyday sight that we take it as a matter of course.
      • It is expected the medal will be issued as a matter of course, and it's unlikely serving members will be required to apply for it.
      • As a matter of course, we refer outstanding accounts to a debt collection agency and take legal action against bad debtors.
      • Incoming e-mail is scanned for viruses as a matter of course, but that didn't help with this problem.
      • They should just do this kind of work as a matter of course.
      • It should be a matter of course for the medical profession to make the public aware of all their options and allow them to make their own decisions.
      • Under the Hanoverians the heir to the throne supported opposition to his father's government almost as a matter of course.
  • a matter of form

    • A point of correct procedure.

      手续问题,正确的程序

      they must as a matter of proper form check to see that there is no tax liability

      作为应有的手续他们得检查且确保没有欠税。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • If he is a just man who protects the poor he will be popular and will not need an electoral mandate, except as a matter of form.
      • It is not the appreciation, but the abuse of liberty, to withdraw altogether from the polls, or to visit them merely as a matter of form, without carefully investigating the merits of the candidates.
      • This is not a matter of form but impinges on a fundamental principle of separation of powers and detracts from any necessary guarantee against the possibility of abuse.
      • But, as a matter of form, they had to produce one.
      • As a matter of form, identical rent review provisions are contained in the underlease as in the lease.
      • Up to now I always took such statements as being a matter of form, something that judges say as a way of consoling those who didn't win.
      • First, the highly-detailed acreage and storage estimates were released as a matter of form.
      • The lessee would have a reasonable expectation that the consent is really only a matter of form by that stage.
      • In my judgment, it cannot be said that, as a matter of form, the Council have created a fetter upon their discretion.
      • Your Honour, the only other matter is that, as a matter of form, I submit, the condition should be against the Commonwealth, rather than the Attorney.
  • no matter

    • 1with clauseRegardless of.

      不论,不管

      no matter what the government calls them, they are cuts

      不管政府怎么称呼它们,它们都是被裁减的项目。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Let us all pray that the justice system will pursue the truth no matter where it leads.
      • She would never turn her back on me, no matter what I did, and it's the same for me.
      • No matter how much she begs, no matter how much she pleads, it's just not going to happen.
      • It is important for women to be informed, no matter how much stress it may cause them.
      • No matter how many times they were said and no matter who said them, comments like that always stung.
      • These are all values and standards of note no matter who you are or what you believe!
      • You don't have to take every call at any time, no matter how important you may wish to look.
      • The human spirit is basically the same no matter what area of the world you are in or come from.
      • No matter how bad it gets and no matter how much I pout, you always take my sadness as a real problem.
      • Unfortunately it's up to victims to stop them, no matter how long ago it happened.
    • 2It is of no importance.

      不要紧,没事

      no matter, I'll go myself

      “没事,我自己去。”

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Time will tell if it is more than a piece of military muscle-flexing, but no matter.
      Synonyms
      it doesn't matter, it makes no difference, it makes no odds, it's unimportant, never mind, don't apologize, don't worry about it, don't mention it
  • to make matters worse

    • With the result that a bad situation is made worse.

      更糟糕的是,更严重的是

      to make matters worse, free school meals have been withdrawn
      Example sentencesExamples
      • And to make matters worse, there may be a lengthy struggle to win redundancy cash for employees.
      • And to make matters worse in my dream, I was sitting next to an old friend who absolutely refused to recognize me.
      • And to make matters worse, when I tried to get back in, the bouncer wouldn't let me because he said I was too drunk.
      • Then to make matters worse, we haven't had any television either.
      • And to make matters worse, the bloody landlord won't turn on the heat.
      • Meanwhile, Monet was having difficulty selling his paintings and, to make matters worse, Camille was in need of almost constant care.
      • And to make matters worse, when I got in there, he was standing there!
      • And to make matters worse, we live in a far more complex world today than we did 30 years ago.
      • And to make matters worse, footpaths that were flat prior to the commencement of the work are now angled and uneven.
      • And, to make matters worse, there is much misunderstanding concerning a few of these high arts and the accusation of being elitist.
  • what matter?

    • dated Why should that worry us?

      〈英,旧〉有什么要紧,有什么事

      They were in collusion. But what matter, since apparently he didn't care?

Origin

Middle English: via Old French from Latin materia 'timber, substance', also 'subject of discourse', from mater 'mother'.

Rhymes

attar, batter, bespatter, chatter, clatter, flatter, hatter, Kenyatta, latter, matamata, natter, patter, platter, ratter, regatta, satyr, scatter, shatter, smatter, spatter, splatter, yatter

Definition of matter in US English:

matter

nounˈmadərˈmædər
  • 1Physical substance in general, as distinct from mind and spirit; (in physics) that which occupies space and possesses rest mass, especially as distinct from energy.

    物质

    the structure and properties of matter

    物质的结构和特性。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • Physics is the science which deals with properties and interactions of matter and energy.
    • I'm not sure if the anti-matter and matter particles annihilating each other produces some kind of energy.
    • They're a bit like caps on a shaken soda bottle, and upwelling matter and energy can blow at any moment.
    • This is the amount of heat energy necessary to change the phase or state of matter from liquid to gas.
    • In general, the distinction between matter and antimatter is somewhat arbitrary.
    • When ionizing radiations pass through matter, energy is deposited in the material concerned.
    • The metaphor my old physics professor liked was that matter is energy tied into knots.
    • Where do space, matter, energy, and the forces of nature come from?
    • Right now the dominant forms of energy in our Universe are matter and vacuum energy.
    • Thus dark energy is intrinsically relativistic and is more like energy than matter.
    • Inflation involves a curious change in the properties of matter at very high energies known as a phase transition.
    • In the universe matter and physical space are in permanent dynamic equilibrium.
    • With their knowledge, the spaceships could become mass, matter, energy or any form of radiation.
    • For the physicist, time and space, along with matter, form part of the equipment that the universe comes with.
    • The electromagnetic spectrum describes all matter as wave frequencies.
    • Their properties are determined locally by the changing patterns of matter and energy residing within them.
    • As a result, the energy exchange between matter and radiation becomes less efficient.
    • Why is the universe made of matter and not equal parts of matter and antimatter?
    • Einstein described what we call gravity as curves in space and time, created by matter and energy.
    • For one thing, how can empty space explode without there being matter or energy?
    Synonyms
    material, substance, stuff, medium
    1. 1.1 A substance or material.
      物料;材料
      organic matter

      有机物。

      vegetable matter

      蔬菜材料。

      fecal matter

      排泄物。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • If your soil is high in clay or sand, add organic matter to break up clay particles for better drainage.
      • The most important of all the routine is the checking of the faecal matter of the animal and how it urinates.
      • This basically boils down to adding lots of lovely organic matter.
      • The latrines had a heater beneath, which would burn the faecal matter slowly without causing any smell.
      • What happens is without the addition of organic matter, the soil in our gardens eventually become lifeless.
      • The grey colour and the preservation of organic matter reflect waterlogged conditions and reducing pore waters.
      • Whether the soil is heavy clay or sandy and very free draining, it can be greatly improved by the addition of bulky organic matter.
      • They eat vegetable matter, dead insects and reportedly even enjoy dining on the odd bird dropping.
      • Be careful not to overmix the layers, as this can bury organic matter too deeply.
      • Soils with more clay and organic matter tend to hold water and dissolved chemicals longer.
      • More often than not these kinds of infections are caused through faecal matter but there were no reports of any incidents of that sort on that day.
      • Compost is the living, black material that is made from rotting fruits, grains and other organic matter.
      • Clean out all of the warm weather crops and add organic matter and fertilizer and work them well into the soil.
      • Layers of leaves or other organic matter are sometimes added to speed decomposition.
      • Students of a nearby school found poisonous organic matter in water samples they studied.
      • Beans interplanted with corn help add organic matter and fix nitrogen at the same time.
      • The idea worked with vegetable matter but slugs, being slimier, tended to clog an essential filter.
      • Five of the sites were sandy soils and five were clays or soils high in organic matter.
      • It can be discounted here because of the absence of clay minerals and organic matter in freshly erupted ash.
      • If an animal consumes both meat and vegetable matter, what is the scientific term by which it is called?
      Synonyms
      material, substance, stuff, medium
    2. 1.2 Written or printed material.
      书面材料;印刷品
      reading matter

      读物。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • But the middle classes demanded cheaper and more accessible reading matter.
      • I have finished the books I am reviewing and have come to the magic moment when I get to choose some reading matter.
      • We grew impatient waiting for the next dose of reading matter.
      • I am not one to equivocate the past so I will move on to current reading matter.
      • Many toilets now place reading matter above the urinal so that you don't even have to think about either eye contact or talking.
      • Note, too, the excellent timeline and illustrated reading matter.
      • Reading matter is transcribed into Braille for her, and she also uses audiotapes.
      • Men don't bring that perspective to their reading matter.
      • Sometimes you need reading matter from a universe without emotional complications.
      • After that Herb always sent me reading matter by various Indonesia experts.
      • This is no modern day phenomenon, as I discovered in my reading matter.
      • I've seen people have all kinds of reading matter in the bathroom, whether it's on a shelf, on the floor or in a dedicated rack.
      • Information is provided on the availability of reading matter and its suitability.
      • For want of something better to say today, here's a couple of rather wonderful quotes from my present reading matter.
      • The wall of shelves behind me contains more printed matter and a host of highly various items.
      • A similar dearth of reading matter prevails in other school subjects.
      • Any readers who can suggest suitable reading matter or anything else to keep him amused would be doing me a favour.
      • Reading matter in the form of newspapers and magazines was available.
      • One certainty is that you will not fill the void with personal jottings or reading matter.
      • Any course on psychotherapy should include this book as additional reading matter.
  • 2An affair or situation under consideration; a topic.

    事情;问题

    a great deal of work was done on this matter

    围绕这件事情已经做了大量的工作。

    financial matters

    排泄物。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • It was time to turn the subject back to the matter at hand.
    • In recent years the matter has been subjected to renewed debate, yet it is still poorly understood.
    • The cabinet consideration of those matters is appropriate and I stand by it.
    • A Scottish Executive spokesman said matters arising from the inquiry were a matter for the Crown Office.
    • They were asking me about it last night, and I started trying to explain when the subject turned to other matters.
    • You can trust your intuition and gut feelings about family situations and professional matters.
    • I don't see how one can be objective about subjective matters.
    • The fact is, most of us find financial matters rather dull and often complicated.
    • Magistrates were also asked to take 53 further matters into consideration.
    • Within this latter group lies cutlery, perhaps the most banal and uninteresting of eating-related subject matters.
    • The falling bodily strength of teenagers is a matter requiring serious consideration on a national level.
    • The summiteers would like to keep their meeting focused on bilateral matters.
    • It was this experience that called my attention to the matter under consideration.
    • All the above noted issues are matters for discussion and consideration.
    • A spokesman said later that they were taking an interest and were giving the matter careful consideration.
    • A brief consideration of the matter shows that it is a serious situation.
    • What is being ruled out by these considerations is doubt concerning matters which are fundamental to our linguistic and other practices.
    • He has no say in the decision, but said he had urged the council to give the matter serious consideration.
    • He paused, having nothing further to say on the matter and then changed subject.
    • First, there are the occasional free-ranging debates on matters of great issue.
    Synonyms
    affair, business, proceeding, situation, circumstance, event, happening, occurrence, incident, episode, occasion, experience, thing
    1. 2.1Law Something which is to be tried or proved in court; a case.
      〔律〕(法庭审问或证明的)事项;案件
      Example sentencesExamples
      • By the time the matter came before the Court of Appeal, in December 2000, the Act had come into force.
      • Admittedly, the second applicant could have brought the matter before the High Court.
      • This, assuming he is honest and vigilant, he should be able to do, at any rate when the matter comes before the court.
      • Accordingly the Full Court ordered that the matter be remitted to the primary judge.
      • Of course, it will be open to the claimants to place the matter before the Court of Appeal if so advised.
    2. 2.2matters The present situation or state of affairs.
      事态
      we can do nothing to change matters

      我们对改变事态无能为力。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • His defence of spin is not unreasonable: of course politicians do what they can to present matters in the light that reflects best on them.
      • The exploitation of the oil fields has further complicated matters and pushed the possibility of a peaceful settlement further away.
      • As if to further even up matters, both sides fielded with a number of notable absentees.
      • To make matters worse, our affair had been common knowledge amongst most members of her family.
      • It has to be said that this was a very poor affair and to make matters even worse from a Johnville point of view, they lost the game.
      Synonyms
      transactions, concerns, matters, activities, dealings, undertakings, ventures, proceedings
    3. 2.3a matter for/of Something that evokes a specified feeling.
      (引起特定感觉的)事情
      it's a matter of complete indifference to me

      这是我根本不关心的事。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • By the later Middle Ages, the right to a coat of arms had become a matter for social pride and strict control.
      • If Australia somehow pull off victory this week, it should not be a matter for national mourning.
      • The nature of their current relationship must remain a matter for conjecture.
      • His death is no more a matter for public grief than the death of my grandmother.
      • I think that perhaps the best way for me to cope with being over-weight is to make it a matter for jollity.
      • If his behaviour becomes a matter for moderator concern, that's a bit different.
      • That human rights enjoy such prestige is a matter for rejoicing, but it is somewhat beside the point.
      • On this basis, the spillage of a million tons of oil is indeed a matter for ecological concern.
      • What is a matter for concern is that no one said a word to these children.
    4. 2.4a matter for Something that is the concern of a specified person or agency.
      (某人或某个部门关心的)事情
      the evidence is a matter for the courts

      证据是法院所关心的事。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • The college yesterday refused to comment and said it was a matter for the governors.
      • The moral aspect is a matter for those who believe society is worsened by these changes.
      • If you want to raise that matter again in the disciplinary proceedings, that is a matter for you.
      • It is a matter for the plaintiff whether she wants to leave the window open or not.
      • We are not supposed to know as the contents are, in theory, a matter for the Monarch.
      • We are not aware of this group and these actions may well be unlawful which is a matter for the police.
      • In the end it really is just a matter for the two of them and their families.
      • Whether anyone makes a donation to an individual or a charity is a matter for them.
      • He has been criticised for making that assessment because, it is said, that is a matter for the judge.
      • It is not a matter for lawyers or police to decide whether a man is deaf or not.
  • 3the matterwith negative or in questions The reason for distress or a problem.

    麻烦;问题

    what's the matter?

    废物。

    pretend that nothing's the matter

    假装一切平安无事。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • There's nothing the matter with practical training for the immediate future.
    • What's the matter with you, do you really hate being part of this band so much?
    • The only road to the two farms is by the lane which has been used for centuries, so what is the matter with it now?
    • What is the matter with this man and his brain-to-mouth impediment?
    • This morning when I got up heavy lidded and still half asleep he wondered what was the matter with me.
    • That sentence might be a Rorschach test: if you find nothing much the matter with it, you are an unsaved academic.
    • What is the matter with me?
    • Two years ago I would have wondered what was the matter with the dog.
    • That rational part of me says, it's just another wave, what's the matter with you?
    • I don't know what's the matter with me but obviously I was off sick the day that the lobotomies were done at school.
    • If you do not find him funny there is something the matter with you.
    • What's the matter with the good old reliable stuff you already had?
    Synonyms
    problem, trouble, difficulty, upset, distress, worry, bother, complication
  • 4The substance or content of a text as distinct from its manner or form.

    文稿内容

    Example sentencesExamples
    • It's also not a show that's performed very often - and having seen the content matter, I can see why.
    Synonyms
    content, subject matter, text, argument, substance, thesis, sense, purport, gist, pith, essentials, burden
    1. 4.1Printing The body of a printed work, as distinct from titles, headings, etc.
      〔印刷〕正文
    2. 4.2Logic The particular content of a proposition, as distinct from its form.
      文稿内容
verbˈmadərˈmædər
[no object]
  • 1usually with negative or in questions Be of importance; have significance.

    要紧,有重要性

    it doesn't matter what the guests wear

    客人穿什么样的衣服并不重要。

    what did it matter to them?

    这对他们有什么要紧的?

    to him, animals mattered more than human beings

    对他来说,动物比人更重要。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • This, understandably, didn't matter to those decked out in blue and red.
    • Sure it's nice if they needed the money or whatever, but if I don't see a penny of it, then it don't matter to me.
    • It didn't matter to the producers what the name actually meant.
    • However, that didn't matter to the vociferous home support who cheered their side's maiden league victory to the echo.
    • When I was younger I never really cared much for this, as it didn't seem to matter to me.
    • I don't think it mattered to him and I suspect it didn't matter to most of the audience.
    • You bet, but money was on the line, and that, I'm afraid, is the only loyalty that should matter to a professional gambler.
    • Ideas matter to all of us who enter public life, particularly at the national level.
    • Material things are not important and don't matter to us anymore.
    • It doesn't matter to me whether it's a big game or one in the lower divisions.
    • Things that used to matter to her before didn't matter now that she had this.
    • Racing should welcome the white paper because at long last the government are tackling issues which matter to punters.
    • It didn't matter to them who they were drawn against in the quarterfinal.
    • You know, you may feel good or bad about who wins, but it doesn't really matter to your life.
    • It didn't seem to matter to Paul - within seconds he was able to answer your query.
    • For instance, we purposefully deflect our gaze from features that would normally matter to us.
    • It doesn't matter to me, but, again, I thought it might be important to some.
    • It didn't really matter to me who won last night in Melbourne.
    • It doesn't really matter to me who is prime minister, who's president, who has what job.
    • Football is a pretty good example: you can usually tell when the result of a game doesn't matter to one side.
    Synonyms
    importance, consequence, significance, note, import, moment, weight, interest
    make any difference, make a difference, be important, be of importance, be of consequence, signify, be of significance, be relevant, be of account, carry weight, count
    1. 1.1 (of a person) be important or influential.
      (人物)有重要性;有影响
      she was trying to get known by the people who matter

      她在尽力让那些重要人物知道她。

      Synonyms
      be influential, have influence, be important
  • 2US rare (of a wound) secrete or discharge pus.

    〈罕〉(伤口)化脓,流脓

    Synonyms
    fester, form pus, swell up, gather, discharge, rot, run, weep, ooze, come to a head

Phrases

  • for that matter

    • Used to indicate that a subject or category, though mentioned second, is as relevant or important as the first.

      就这一点来说,在这一问题上

      I am not sure what value it adds to determining public, or for that matter private, policy

      我不能肯定它对确定公众政策或就此问题而言,对确定个人决策能增添什么价值。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • I would never want to be around someone like her, or her loser brother for that matter.
      • Can we imagine that he would still be teaching, or for that matter that he would be anything more than a pariah?
      • One has to add considerable extra time to one's journey just to get out of town or into it, for that matter.
      • What effect did it have on the scholars around the world, and for that matter, the public?
      • There is no room for second best in this industry or in any industry for that matter.
      • In my day we never dreamed of billing and cooing in public, or in private for that matter.
      • What does it mean to have a professional life or a private life for that matter?
      • Much more enjoyable, dare I say, and for that matter considerably more informative.
      • No, it is not like I was a model to be emulated in school, or college for that matter.
      • Odd, as today wasn't all that cold, and nor was yesterday, for that matter, but there you go.
  • in the matter of

    • As regards.

      至于,关于,在…方面

      the British are given preeminence in the matter of tea

      在用茶方面英国人享有杰出地位。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • It is not so easy to justify extravagance in the matter of funerals.
      • It is highly influential in the matter of selling wine to restaurants, hotels and high-income consumers.
      • I have received some enlightenment in the matter of column position.
      • But my sympathy is entirely with him in the matter of this guy squirting water into his face.
      • But it isn't only in the matter of sharing water that the states tend to act in an irresponsible manner.
      • I believe this is precisely the case in the matter of whether or not to extend the arm before the lunge, as it is in so many others.
      • But corruption is rife in the matter of distribution of cards and relief goods.
      • The mind of human beings is too complex and too unpredictable, especially in the matter of love, of relationships and of love.
      • To her further credit, she has also agreed to let sanity be our guide in the matter of whether a medium-sized family suitcase is any place for a surfboard.
      • It has also proved unfair to women, leaving out choice in the matter of reproductive rights.
      Synonyms
      regarding, concerning, with reference to, referring to, with regard to, with respect to, respecting, relating to, in relation to, on, touching on, dealing with, relevant to, with relevance to, in the context of, connected with, on the subject of, in the matter of, apropos, re
  • it is only a matter of time

    • There will not be long to wait.

      只是时间问题;不会太久

      it's only a matter of time before the general is removed

      离将军下台不会太久了。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • They say it is only a matter of time before someone is injured.
      • Knowing the standard of magazines in our house, it is only a matter of time…
      • I think it is only a matter of time with Michael, but we can't wait on that.
      • All products are merged into one another, and it is only a matter of time before it is out of your control and there is one single super-product left.
      • Publicans and members of the public there feel it is only a matter of time before the ban is introduced across Europe.
      • Going by the recent weather it is only a matter of time before someone invents an umbrella with sun cream dispenser at the handle.
      • Given the speed at which these vehicles approach the blind corners in the village it is only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs.
      • But they have pledged to be back next year, and say it is only a matter of time before they register their first success in the borough.
      • But barring ill health on his part, it is only a matter of time until he becomes chairman.
      • Remember, if such lawlessness is allowed to go unchecked it is only a matter of time before you become the next victim.
  • a matter of

    • 1No more than (a specified period of time)

      不超过(一段时间)

      they were shown the door in a matter of minutes

      没过几分钟他们就被赶出了门。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • We didn't have to wait too long though and got seated in a matter of ten minutes or so.
      • Police have condemned the youngsters involved in at least four incidents in a matter of weeks.
      • He was on his feet and out the door in a matter of seconds.
      • Then, if an unexpected caller knocks at the door, the resident is able to summon help in a matter of minutes.
      • It was getting towards sun down, and she reached her apartment in a matter of 25 minutes.
      • It only needs to take you a matter of minutes every month, but it will help us to literally change the world.
      • The water is very cold and hypothermia can occur in a matter of minutes if exposed to the water.
      • Some cab customers may think it's just a matter of luck that a driver is at their door in a matter of minutes.
      • Whatever they decide their whole future will be decided in a matter of a couple of minutes.
      • In a matter of seconds the door was off its hinges.
    • 2A thing that involves or depends on.

      事关,关系到,取决于

      it's a matter of working out how to get something done

      这关系到如何办成事的问题。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • It's a matter of all the players involved in the club progressing on from last year.
      • This is more than just a liberal cause, it is a matter of basic principle - and it involves us all.
      • Tea terminology is a matter of concern to tea drinkers and also to cooks who are using tea as a flavouring.
      • Whether his political standpoint is your cup of tea is a matter of choice.
      • The extent to which that strategy needed to be dependent on the computer is a matter of dispute.
  • a matter of course

    • The natural or expected thing.

      理所当然的事,必然的结果

      the reports are published as a matter of course

      这些报告理所当然要出版。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • It should be a matter of course for the medical profession to make the public aware of all their options and allow them to make their own decisions.
      • As a matter of course, we refer outstanding accounts to a debt collection agency and take legal action against bad debtors.
      • Under the Hanoverians the heir to the throne supported opposition to his father's government almost as a matter of course.
      • Sponsors want a return on their investment and visual awareness, through branding, is a matter of course.
      • There is a flow and an intermingling, a cross-fertilisation, that takes place as a matter of course.
      • It is so much an everyday sight that we take it as a matter of course.
      • Shouting as others talk is a matter of course, and as long as you don't use the word liar it seems that you can say pretty much anything.
      • They should just do this kind of work as a matter of course.
      • It is expected the medal will be issued as a matter of course, and it's unlikely serving members will be required to apply for it.
      • Incoming e-mail is scanned for viruses as a matter of course, but that didn't help with this problem.
  • a matter of form

    • A point of correct procedure.

      手续问题,正确的程序

      they must as a matter of proper form check to see that there is no tax liability

      作为应有的手续他们得检查且确保没有欠税。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • First, the highly-detailed acreage and storage estimates were released as a matter of form.
      • Your Honour, the only other matter is that, as a matter of form, I submit, the condition should be against the Commonwealth, rather than the Attorney.
      • If he is a just man who protects the poor he will be popular and will not need an electoral mandate, except as a matter of form.
      • Up to now I always took such statements as being a matter of form, something that judges say as a way of consoling those who didn't win.
      • As a matter of form, identical rent review provisions are contained in the underlease as in the lease.
      • The lessee would have a reasonable expectation that the consent is really only a matter of form by that stage.
      • In my judgment, it cannot be said that, as a matter of form, the Council have created a fetter upon their discretion.
      • It is not the appreciation, but the abuse of liberty, to withdraw altogether from the polls, or to visit them merely as a matter of form, without carefully investigating the merits of the candidates.
      • But, as a matter of form, they had to produce one.
      • This is not a matter of form but impinges on a fundamental principle of separation of powers and detracts from any necessary guarantee against the possibility of abuse.
  • no matter

    • 1with clauseRegardless of.

      不论,不管

      no matter what the government calls them, they are cuts

      不管政府怎么称呼它们,它们都是被裁减的项目。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Let us all pray that the justice system will pursue the truth no matter where it leads.
      • She would never turn her back on me, no matter what I did, and it's the same for me.
      • No matter how bad it gets and no matter how much I pout, you always take my sadness as a real problem.
      • These are all values and standards of note no matter who you are or what you believe!
      • It is important for women to be informed, no matter how much stress it may cause them.
      • You don't have to take every call at any time, no matter how important you may wish to look.
      • The human spirit is basically the same no matter what area of the world you are in or come from.
      • Unfortunately it's up to victims to stop them, no matter how long ago it happened.
      • No matter how many times they were said and no matter who said them, comments like that always stung.
      • No matter how much she begs, no matter how much she pleads, it's just not going to happen.
    • 2It is of no importance.

      不要紧,没事

      “No matter, I'll go myself.”

      “没事,我自己去。”

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Time will tell if it is more than a piece of military muscle-flexing, but no matter.
      Synonyms
      it doesn't matter, it makes no difference, it makes no odds, it's unimportant, never mind, don't apologize, don't worry about it, don't mention it
  • to make matters worse

    • With the result that a bad situation is made worse.

      更糟糕的是,更严重的是

      Example sentencesExamples
      • And, to make matters worse, there is much misunderstanding concerning a few of these high arts and the accusation of being elitist.
      • Then to make matters worse, we haven't had any television either.
      • And to make matters worse, when I tried to get back in, the bouncer wouldn't let me because he said I was too drunk.
      • And to make matters worse, there may be a lengthy struggle to win redundancy cash for employees.
      • Meanwhile, Monet was having difficulty selling his paintings and, to make matters worse, Camille was in need of almost constant care.
      • And to make matters worse in my dream, I was sitting next to an old friend who absolutely refused to recognize me.
      • And to make matters worse, we live in a far more complex world today than we did 30 years ago.
      • And to make matters worse, the bloody landlord won't turn on the heat.
      • And to make matters worse, when I got in there, he was standing there!
      • And to make matters worse, footpaths that were flat prior to the commencement of the work are now angled and uneven.
  • what matter?

    • dated Why should that worry us?

      〈英,旧〉有什么要紧,有什么事

      They were in collusion. But what matter, since apparently he didn't care?

Origin

Middle English: via Old French from Latin materia ‘timber, substance’, also ‘subject of discourse’, from mater ‘mother’.

随便看

 

英汉双解词典包含464360条英汉词条,基本涵盖了全部常用单词的翻译及用法,是英语学习的有利工具。

 

Copyright © 2004-2022 Newdu.com All Rights Reserved
更新时间:2024/10/19 14:32:40