matthews: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (as a pluralized given name). Moderate (as a surname).Formal, Neutral, or Informal depending on context. As a proper noun, it is capitalised.
Quick answer
What does “matthews” mean?
The plural form of 'Matthew', referring to more than one person of that given name. A proper noun.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'Matthew', referring to more than one person of that given name. A proper noun.
As a family name, can refer to a specific family line or multiple individuals sharing that surname. In very rare contexts, might refer to works associated with someone named Matthew (e.g., multiple editions of the Gospel of Matthew).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. Both varieties use 'Matthews' identically as a plural or possessive form of the name. Pronunciation may differ slightly.
Connotations
None specific to either variety.
Frequency
Equally low frequency as a pluralised given name in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “matthews” in a Sentence
The + Matthews + [singular verb for family] (e.g., The Matthews lives here.)The + Matthews + [plural verb for individuals] (e.g., The Matthews are coming.)Two Matthews + [plural verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Please send the report to the Matthews in the London office." (Referring to people with that surname)
Academic
"The writings of the two Church Fathers Matthews were compared."
Everyday
"I'm meeting the Matthews for dinner tonight." (Likely referring to a family)
Technical
Rare. Could appear in genealogy: "The Matthews line traces back to the 18th century."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “matthews”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “matthews”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matthews”
- Incorrect: 'I saw two Matthew.' Correct: 'I saw two Matthews.'
- Incorrect: 'The Matthews's car is here.' (Over-possessive). Correct: 'The Matthews' car is here.'
- Misspelling as 'Mathew's' when intending the plural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Matthews' is also a common surname (e.g., Mr. Matthews), which is singular. It can be a plural of the given name Matthew, or a singular/plural surname.
It is pronounced the same as the plural /ˈmæθjuːz/. The written apostrophe after the 's' (Matthews') does not change the spoken form.
Only if it is their surname. For the given name, the singular is always 'Matthew'.
As a pluralised given name, it's quite rare in everyday language. As a surname, it is moderately common and functions like any other family name.
The plural form of 'Matthew', referring to more than one person of that given name. A proper noun.
Matthews is usually formal, neutral, or informal depending on context. as a proper noun, it is capitalised. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The two Matthews (and a third) – a historical/cultural reference to the biblical apostles Matthew and Matthias (the latter chosen to replace Judas), sometimes colloquially referenced together.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the famous actor Matthew Perry; if there were two of him, they'd be the **Matthew**s.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROPER NAME IS A TOKEN FOR A GROUP. The plural form represents a collection of individuals sharing the same token/identifier.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'Matthews' correctly?