What does mattering mean?
“Mattering” means being important, significant, or relevant, especially in the sense of having consequences that affect other people or outcomes. People commonly say that something “matters” when it deserves attention, influences a decision, or makes a practical difference. The word can also imply concern: a person or issue may matter to someone, meaning that it is personally significant or worthy of care. Its use often carries an emphatic quality, as in “it matters” or “what matters most,” which highlights the relative importance of choices, relationships, values, or circumstances. Although “mattering” sounds informal when used conversationally, it is suitable for both everyday speech and formal writing. It is a useful word because it distinguishes things that are genuinely consequential from those that are merely noticeable, interesting, or easily dismissed.
verbTo be important, significant, or relevant. It can also mean to make a difference or to be a subject of concern.
- Being important, significant, or relevant.
- Making a difference; having an effect.
- Being a subject of concern or requiring consideration.
"After years of debate, her findings began to mattering in the design of the new policy."
"The decisions made in the meeting mattered long after the discussion had ended."
"For many people, access to clean water matters more than any other public service."
To matter is to have real consequence: what seems insignificant today can change everything tomorrow.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mattering come from?
The word “matter” comes through Middle English from Old French matere and Latin materia, referring to material substance or the substance of a thing. In English, the meaning developed from physical material to the subject or concern of discussion, and later to significance or importance. Related forms include “material” and “immaterial,” while “maternal” comes through a separate but historically related Latin root associated with motherhood.
Related word forms
How mattering is actually used
The form is common in the present participle, especially in the expression “it matters,” and in constructions such as “no matter” or “the mattering of.” Its tone is generally neutral, though “what matters” can sound emphatic or reflective in informal and formal contexts alike.
Easily confused with mattering
“Mattering” means being important or making a difference, while “mattering” can also describe a matter that requires attention or consideration.