for that matter: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "for that matter" is a commonly used phrase. It can emphasize or add further information to a statement. This idiomatic expression often introduces a related point or extends the scope of a topic being discussed. The meaning of "for that matter" can vary based on the context.

The phrase likely emerged as a condensed form of "for the matter in question." Over time, it became more concise and evolved into the commonly used form "for that matter."

The idiomatic usage of "for that matter" introduces an additional thought or a contrary viewpoint. It implies that the preceding notion applies equally to the upcoming statement. For example, in the sentence "I can't eat spicy food. In fact, I don't like any kind of hot cuisine, Mexican food for that matter," the phrase emphasizes that the speaker's dislike extends to all types of spicy cuisine, including Mexican food.

"For that matter" can also broaden the scope of a discussion. It suggests that if the current topic is relevant, then any related topic should also be considered. For instance, in the sentence "I don't enjoy crowded places. Concerts, or any large event for that matter, make me feel anxious," the phrase expands the conversation to include any large event, highlighting the speaker's unease in such situations.

This idiom can also challenge or dismiss a statement. By using "for that matter," individuals can imply that the previous point is insignificant or lacks validity. Consider the example sentence, "I don't care for cold weather. Or sunny weather, for that matter." Here, the speaker expresses their dislike for cold weather and suggests that sunny weather is similarly unimportant to them.

The idiom "by the same token" is related to "for that matter." It means "for the same reason" or "in a similar way." Just as "for that matter" connects two statements that apply equally, "by the same token" establishes a connection based on similarities. For instance, in the sentence "I don't like spicy food. By the same token, I also avoid anything that's too salty," the phrase emphasizes that the speaker avoids both spicy and salty food.

The idiom "and such" is another related phrase. It is used to add similar or related items to a list. It functions in a similar manner to "for that matter" by extending the scope of the discussion. For example, in the sentence "I enjoy reading books, watching movies, and such," the phrase "and such" broadens the list of activities beyond reading books and watching movies without explicitly mentioning each related item.

The idiom "and so forth" is another phrase that is related to "for that matter." It is used to indicate that there are additional items or examples that could be included. Like "for that matter," "and so forth" extends the conversation. For instance, in the sentence "I need to buy groceries like milk, bread, fruits, and so forth," the phrase indicates that there are other groceries that could be included in the list.

The term "at that" is also related to "for that matter." It is used to emphasize a particular point or add additional significance to a statement. "At that" is used to indicate that what was previously stated is noteworthy or surprising. For example, in the sentence "He completed the marathon in under three hours. Impressive at that," the phrase highlights the impressive nature of the achievement.

The idiom "for good measure" is also connected to "for that matter." It means to do something in addition to what is necessary or expected, often to ensure completeness or thoroughness. Like "for that matter," "for good measure" adds an extra element or action. For instance, in the sentence "I added a pinch of salt to the recipe, just for good measure," the phrase implies that adding salt is not strictly required, but it was done to ensure the dish is properly seasoned.

The idiom "for that matter" is a versatile phrase that can be used to emphasize related points, broaden the discussion, or challenge previous statements. Its origins date back to the 19th century, and it continues to be a commonly used expression in the English language. The related idioms "by the same token," "and such," "and so forth," "at that," and "for good measure" further enhance communication and add depth to the meaning of "for that matter."