Material: meaning, definitions and examples

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material

[məˈtɪəriəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in construction

Things used in making something else. It typically refers to substances like wood, steel, concrete, etc.

Synonyms

elements, stuff, substance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
material	Often used in the context of manufacturing, construction, or education. Can refer to physical substances or resources for learning. The construction workers used high-quality material for the building. We need to gather all the study material before the exam.
substance	Used to refer to a particular type of material, especially when discussing science or quality. Can also mean meaningful content or essence. The chemist added a new substance to the solution. Her argument had a lot of substance and was very convincing.
stuff	Informal term used to describe a collection of unspecified items or material. Often used in casual conversation. I need to pack all my stuff before we move to the new house. Can you help me clean up all this stuff in the garage?
elements	Used in scientific contexts to refer to basic substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. Also used to describe basic parts of a system or situation. Oxygen and hydrogen are elements that form water. Understanding the core elements of the marketing strategy is crucial for success.

Examples of usage

The architect specified that the building should be made of durable materials.
The workers unloaded the construction materials from the truck.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in education

Information or ideas that are used in a book, course, etc.

Synonyms

content, data, information.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
material	This word can also refer to a resource or the content of something non-physical like a course or a presentation. She prepared all her material for the upcoming presentation The study materials were very comprehensive
information	General term for knowledge or facts learned about a subject. Often used in situations where details, facts, or knowledge are shared or sought. He provided important information during the meeting The information desk was very helpful in guiding us
content	Refers to the substance or subject matter within a medium like books, websites, or presentations. It can also describe the information or experiences shared through these mediums. The website has engaging content that keeps visitors interested for hours The content of the book was very informative and engaging
data	Used in contexts where numerical or factual information is collected and analyzed. Often associated with research, technology, and scientific studies. The researcher collected a large amount of data for the climate study The company analyzed customer data to improve their services

Examples of usage

The textbook covers a wide range of materials on the topic.
The professor provided additional reading materials for the students.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

related to physical world

Relating to or consisting of physical objects rather than ideas or feelings.

Synonyms

concrete, physical, tangible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
material	Used in a broader sense to describe physical substances or things of a physical nature. She has a lot of material possessions. We need to gather all the necessary material for the project.
physical	Used when describing something related to the body, real objects, or the laws of nature, as opposed to something theoretical or emotional. He experienced physical pain after the accident. The book was a physical object she could hold in her hands.
tangible	Used to describe something that can be touched or physically felt, often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. She had a tangible sense of relief after the news. There was a tangible difference in the quality of materials.
concrete	Often used to describe something specific, definite, and actual, particularly in construction and abstract thought becoming specific. The pathway was made of concrete. He needs concrete evidence to support his theory.

Examples of usage

The scientist conducted experiments to gather material evidence.
The artist used material objects in her installation art.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'materialis,' which means 'relating to matter or substance.'
In Middle English, 'material' referred not only to physical substances but also to essential elements in texts or discussions.

Science

In physics, materials are classified based on their properties, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, each serving different functions.
The study of materials science focuses on how materials are made, their structure, and how they perform under different conditions.

Art

Artists often choose specific materials for their works, such as paint, clay, or metal, which can significantly impact the artwork's final appearance and meaning.
In literature, 'material' can refer to content and themes that form the basis of a narrative, influencing how a story is perceived.

Psychology

The concept of 'materialism' in psychology suggests that an individual's happiness can be linked to their attachment to physical possessions.
Studies show that the reliance on material possessions can lead to varied impacts on mental well-being, highlighting the balance between material and emotional needs.

Pop Culture

Many popular songs and movies embody themes of material wealth, exploring the effects of consumerism on happiness and relationships.
Fashion trends are heavily influenced by materials; for instance, the shift from natural fibers to synthetic ones has transformed the clothing industry.

Translations

Translations of the word "material" in other languages:

🇵🇹 material

🇮🇳 सामग्री

🇩🇪 Material

🇮🇩 bahan

🇺🇦 матеріал

🇵🇱 materiał

🇯🇵 材料 (ざいりょう)

🇫🇷 matériel

🇪🇸 material

🇹🇷 malzeme

🇰🇷 재료

🇸🇦 مادة

🇨🇿 materiál

🇸🇰 materiál

🇨🇳 材料 (cáiliào)

🇸🇮 material

🇮🇸 efni

🇰🇿 материал

🇬🇪 მასალა

🇦🇿 material

🇲🇽 material

Word Frequency Rank

With position #305, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

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302 particular
303 age
304 purpose
305 material
306 thus
307 account
308 help
...