Material: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.