Materialism: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฐ
materialism
[ mษหtษชษrษชษหlษชz(ษ)m ]
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.
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:
๐ต๐น materialismo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคญเฅเคคเคฟเคเคตเคพเคฆ
๐ฉ๐ช Materialismus
๐ฎ๐ฉ materialisme
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะฐัะตััะฐะปัะทะผ
๐ต๐ฑ materializm
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใชใขใชใบใ
๐ซ๐ท matรฉrialisme
๐ช๐ธ materialismo
๐น๐ท materyalizm
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฌผ์ง์ฃผ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูู ุงุฏูุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ materialismus
๐ธ๐ฐ materializmus
๐จ๐ณ ๅฏ็ฉไธปไน
๐ธ๐ฎ materializem
๐ฎ๐ธ efnisstefna
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะฐัะตัะธะฐะปะธะทะผ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแกแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ materializm
๐ฒ๐ฝ materialismo
Etymology
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.
- ...
- 12384 conservatism
- 12385 fragrance
- 12386 squarely
- 12387 materialism
- 12388 spies
- 12389 gauze
- 12390 scholastic
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