Material: meaning, definitions and examples

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material

[ məˈtɪəriəl ]

^{Context #1}

in construction

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

Synonyms

elements, stuff, substance

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}

in education

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

Synonyms

content, data, information

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}

related to physical world

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

Synonyms

concrete, physical, tangible

Examples of usage

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

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 origin

The word 'material' originated from the Latin word 'materia', which means 'timber' or 'substance'. Over time, its meaning expanded to refer to various substances used in construction and manufacturing. In the context of education, 'material' came to represent information and ideas used for learning. As an adjective, 'material' evolved to describe the physical nature of objects in the world.