Material

Definition

Material is a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it refers to substances or items used to create or construct something. As an adjective, it describes something related to physical matter, importance, or relevance.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /məˈtɪriəl/
• Respelling: muh-TEER-ee-uhl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /məˈtɪəriəl/
• Respelling: muh-TEER-ee-uhl

Etymology

The word "material" originates from the Latin "materialis," meaning "of matter," derived from "materia," which means "substance" or "stuff." It entered Middle English through Old French "materiel."

Derivatives

• Materialism (noun)
• Materialist (noun)
• Materialize (verb)
• Materiality (noun)
• Materialistic (adjective)

Synonyms

• Substance
• Fabric
• Content

Antonyms

• Immateriality
• Abstract
• Conceptual

Usage

The term "material" is widely used in physical, conceptual, and artistic contexts. For example, "The building was constructed with durable materials," or "Her ideas provided the creative material for the novel."

Related Terms

• Resource: Something that can be used to achieve a goal or create something.
• Fabrication: The process of creating or constructing something.
• Relevance: The quality of being related or pertinent to a topic.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Substance or matter from which something can be made: Refers to physical resources used for production or creation.
  • Example: "Wood is a common material for furniture."
• Items used in an activity or process: Refers to resources necessary for specific tasks.
  • Example: "She bought craft materials for the art class."
• Information or ideas used for creative or academic purposes: Refers to intellectual content.
  • Example: "The interviews provided excellent research material."

Adjective

• Relating to physical matter: Describes something tangible or concrete.
  • Example: "The material evidence was crucial in the trial."
• Significant or relevant: Describes something of importance or consequence.
  • Example: "There was no material difference between the two proposals."