Particles so slight they were long thought to have no mass at all may be some of the most consequential matter in the universe, probably much more abundant and substantial than all the ordinary matter in planets, stars and galaxies.

Mr. Dole can rebel against being told what to do in matters both consequential and trivial.

Giyan was relieved to think of other, less consequential matters.

Kahlan was about to launch into a raft of questions, but remembered that there were more consequential matters at the moment.

Advocates of the bill said most Americans shared the view that parents should be consulted when it comes to such a consequential matter in the life of a teenager.

While member states are prohibited from obscuring the direct effect of regulations, it is common practice to pass legislation dealing with consequential matters arising from the coming into force of a regulation.

MALC members vote as a bloc on consequential matters for Latino constituents.

All this has prompted some speculation that the vacancy on the ideologically polarized Court may be affecting its work by delaying resolution of some difficult issues while the Court fills up its docket with less consequential matters.

"The point is we have consequential matters which require attention, and the boy is wasting time worrying about the chimes."

There are numerous other less consequential matters that also ruffle friendships - constant one-upmanship and constant tardiness among them.