Matter vs. Affair — What's the Difference?

Subject of concern.

Romantic relationship.

Physical substance.

Personal business.

Legal case.

Specific event.

Situation requiring action.

Public scandal.

Topic in science.

Sequence of actions.

In classical physics and general chemistry, matter is any substance that has mass and takes up space by having volume. All everyday objects that can be touched are ultimately composed of atoms, which are made up of interacting subatomic particles, and in everyday as well as scientific usage, "matter" generally includes atoms and anything made up of them, and any particles (or combination of particles) that act as if they have both rest mass and volume.

An event or sequence of events of a specified kind or that has previously been referred to

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

A love affair

A subject or situation under consideration

An object of a particular type

The reason for distress or a problem

Something done or experienced; a matter or event

The substance or content of a text as distinct from its style or form.

A matter of personal concern

Be important or significant

A matter causing public scandal and controversy

(of a wound) secrete or discharge pus.

A social function

That which occupies space and has mass; physical substance.

Transactions and other matters of professional or public business

A type of such substance

Personal business

Discharge or waste, such as pus or feces, from a living organism.

An object or a contrivance

(Philosophy) In Aristotelian and Scholastic use, that which is in itself undifferentiated and formless and which, as the subject of change and development, receives form and becomes substance.

(often in the plural) Something which is done or is to be done; business of any kind, commercial, professional, or public.

The substance of thought or expression as opposed to the manner in which it is stated or conveyed.

Any proceeding or action which it is wished to refer to or characterize vaguely.

A subject of concern, feeling, or action

(military) An action or engagement not of sufficient magnitude to be called a battle.

Trouble or difficulty

A material object (vaguely designated).

An approximated quantity, amount, or extent

A romantic relationship with someone who is not one's regular partner (boyfriend, girlfriend).

Something printed or otherwise set down in writing

A party or social gathering, especially of a formal nature.

To be of importance

The (male or female) genitals.

(uncountable) Material; substance.

That which is done or is to be done; matter; concern; as, a difficult affair to manage; business of any kind, commercial, professional, or public; - often in the plural. "At the head of affairs." Junius.

(physics) The basic structural component of the universe, usually having mass and volume.

Any proceeding or action which it is wished to refer to or characterize vaguely; as, an affair of honor, i. e., a duel; an affair of love, i. e., an intrigue.

(physics) Matter made up of normal particles, not antiparticles.

An action or engagement not of sufficient magnitude to be called a battle.

A kind of substance.

Action; endeavor.

Material, especially in books or magazines.

A material object (vaguely designated).

(philosophy) Aristotelian: undeveloped potentiality subject to change and development; formlessness. Matter receives form, and becomes substance.

A vaguely specified concern;

An affair, condition, or subject, especially one of concern or (especially when preceded by the) one that is problematic.

A vaguely specified social event;

An approximate amount or extent.

(obsolete) essence; pith; embodiment.

(obsolete) (The) inducing cause or reason, especially of anything disagreeable or distressing.

To be important.

To care about, to mind; to find important.

To form pus or matter, as an abscess; to maturate.

That of which anything is composed; constituent substance; material; the material or substantial part of anything; the constituent elements of conception; that into which a notion may be analyzed; the essence; the pith; the embodiment.

That of which the sensible universe and all existent bodies are composed; anything which has extension, occupies space, or is perceptible by the senses; body; substance.

That with regard to, or about which, anything takes place or is done; the thing aimed at, treated of, or treated; subject of action, discussion, consideration, feeling, complaint, legal action, or the like; theme.

That which one has to treat, or with which one has to do; concern; affair; business.

Affair worthy of account; thing of consequence; importance; significance; moment; - chiefly in the phrases what matter? no matter, and the like.

Inducing cause or occasion, especially of anything disagreeable or distressing; difficulty; trouble.

Amount; quantity; portion; space; - often indefinite.

Substance excreted from living animal bodies; that which is thrown out or discharged in a tumor, boil, or abscess; pus; purulent substance.

That which is permanent, or is supposed to be given, and in or upon which changes are effected by psychological or physical processes and relations; - opposed to form.

Written manuscript, or anything to be set in type; copy; also, type set up and ready to be used, or which has been used, in printing.

To be of importance; to import; to signify.

To form pus or matter, as an abscess; to maturate.

To regard as important; to take account of; to care for.

That which has mass and occupies space;

A vaguely specified concern;

Some situation or event that is thought about;

A problem;

(used with negation) having consequence;

Written works (especially in books or magazines);

Have weight; have import, carry weight;

A matter of public interest involves issues that affect the general population or require public intervention or awareness.

A legal matter refers broadly to any issue within the scope of law needing attention, whereas a legal case specifically involves formal proceedings in a court.

Yes, matters can be tangible, like objects or substances, or intangible, like ideas or issues.

Cultural perceptions can greatly influence how an affair is viewed, potentially seeing it as scandalous or acceptable based on societal norms and values.

Not all affairs are secretive; some are open or known events or relationships, although the term often carries a connotation of secrecy.

Resolving a complicated affair typically involves negotiation, clear communication, and sometimes legal or professional intervention.

Yes, 'matter' is commonly used in everyday conversation to discuss issues, concerns, or subjects of importance.

Yes, the term 'affair' can be used positively, such as in describing a well-managed event or a successful personal endeavor.

A trivial matter has minor consequences or importance, whereas a serious matter has significant impact or urgency.

Professionals handle sensitive affairs with discretion, confidentiality, and adherence to legal and ethical standards.

The media plays a crucial role in reporting affairs, especially public or scandalous ones, shaping public opinion and awareness.

In academic settings, discussions of matters are often theoretical or research-oriented, while in professional settings, they are more practical and aimed at problem-solving.

Effective management of both professional matters and personal affairs requires good organization, clear priorities, and sometimes professional help or advice.

Mismanaging a personal affair can lead to damaged relationships, loss of reputation, or legal consequences.