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Materialism: meaning, definitions and examples

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materialism

 

[ mษ™หˆtษชษ™rษชษ™หŒlษชz(ษ™)m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

philosophy

The belief that material possessions and physical comfort are more important than spiritual values.

Synonyms

consumerism, materialistic mindset, materialistic philosophy

Examples of usage

  • Her materialism led her to prioritize buying luxury items over developing meaningful relationships.
  • Many argue that materialism has led to a decline in overall happiness and contentment in society.
Context #2 | Noun

economics

The theory that economic growth and prosperity are dependent on the consumption of goods and services.

Synonyms

capitalism, consumerism, mercantilism

Examples of usage

  • Many economists believe that consumer spending is a key driver of economic growth, supporting the theory of materialism.
  • The government promotes materialism through policies that encourage consumer spending.

Translations

Translations of the word "materialism" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น materialismo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคญเฅŒเคคเคฟเค•เคตเคพเคฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Materialismus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ materialisme

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะฐั‚ะตั€ั–ะฐะปั–ะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ materializm

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒžใƒ†ใƒชใ‚ขใƒชใ‚บใƒ 

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท matรฉrialisme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ materialismo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท materyalizm

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฌผ์งˆ์ฃผ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ู…ุงุฏูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ materialismus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ materializmus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ”ฏ็‰ฉไธปไน‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ materializem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ efnisstefna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะฐั‚ะตั€ะธะฐะปะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒกแƒแƒšแƒ˜แƒ–แƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ materializm

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ materialismo

Word origin

The term 'materialism' originated from the Latin word 'materialis', which means 'of matter'. The concept of materialism has been present in philosophical and economic discussions for centuries, with varying interpretations and implications. In philosophy, materialism is often contrasted with spiritualism, highlighting the debate between the importance of physical possessions versus spiritual values. In economics, materialism is often associated with consumerism and the belief that economic growth is driven by consumption. The modern usage of 'materialism' encompasses both philosophical and economic perspectives, reflecting the complex relationship between material possessions, values, and societal well-being.

See also: immaterial, immateriality, material, materiality, materialization, materialize, materially, materials.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,387, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.