material
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1ma·te·ri·al
adjective \mə-ˈtir-ē-əl\Definition of MATERIAL
1
a (1) : relating to, derived from, or consisting of matter; especially : physical <the material world> (2) : bodily <material needs> b (1) : of or relating to matter rather than form <material cause> (2) : of or relating to the subject matter of reasoning; especially : empirical <material knowledge>
2
: having real importance or great consequences <facts material to the investigation>
3
a : being of a physical or worldly nature b : relating to or concerned with physical rather than spiritual or intellectual things <material progress>
— ma·te·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb
— ma·te·ri·al·ness noun
See Examples of MATERIAL
- He is concerned only with his own material comforts.
- The researchers included all data that was material.
Origin of MATERIAL
Middle English materiel, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin materialis, from Latin materia matter — more at matter
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to MATERIAL
- Synonyms
- concrete, physical, substantial
- Antonyms
- immaterial, nonmaterial, nonphysical
Synonym Discussion of MATERIAL
material, physical, corporeal, phenomenal, sensible, objective mean of or belonging to actuality. material implies formation out of tangible matter; used in contrast with spiritual or ideal it may connote the mundane, crass, or grasping <material values>. physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary <the physical benefits of exercise>. corporeal implies having the tangible qualities of a body such as shape, size, or resistance to force <artists have portrayed angels as corporeal beings>. phenomenal applies to what is known or perceived through the senses rather than by intuition or rational deduction <scientists concerned with the phenomenal world>. sensible stresses the capability of readily or forcibly impressing the senses <the earth's rotation is not sensible to us>. objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it <no objective evidence of damage>.
2material
nounDefinition of MATERIAL
1
a (1) : the elements, constituents, or substances of which something is composed or can be made (2) : matter that has qualities which give it individuality and by which it may be categorized <sticky material> <explosive materials> b (1) : something (as data) that may be worked into a more finished form <material for a biography> (2) : something used for or made the object of study <material for the next semester> (3) : a performer's repertoire <a comedian's material> c : matter 3b d : cloth e : a person potentially suited to some pursuit <varsity material> <leadership material>
2
a : apparatus necessary for doing or making something <writing materials> b : matériel
Examples of MATERIAL
- paper, plastic, or other materials
- She was never without reading material.
- The curtains required yards of expensive material.
First Known Use of MATERIAL
1556
Related to MATERIAL
- Synonyms
- making, raw material, stuff, substance, timber
Learn More About MATERIAL
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