dialectical materialism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowAcademic, Philosophical, Political, Technical
Quick answer
What does “dialectical materialism” mean?
The philosophical theory, developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, that historical development arises from the conflict of opposing social forces (thesis and antithesis), which is driven by material and economic conditions rather than ideas.
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Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The philosophical theory, developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, that historical development arises from the conflict of opposing social forces (thesis and antithesis), which is driven by material and economic conditions rather than ideas.
In broader academic discourse, it can refer to a methodological approach that applies dialectical reasoning to material reality, analyzing systems through their internal contradictions and material basis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions follow standard UK/US patterns (e.g., 'materialise' vs. 'materialize' in derivatives, but the noun is the same).
Connotations
Both carry strong political and ideological connotations linked to Marxism and communist states. The term is largely confined to academic and political discourse in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher historical frequency in British English during the mid-20th century due to stronger Marxist intellectual traditions, but this distinction has largely faded.
Grammar
How to Use “dialectical materialism” in a Sentence
[Subject] is explained/analysed through dialectical materialism.Dialectical materialism posits/argues/holds that [clause].The theory of dialectical materialism underpins [system/analysis].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dialectical materialism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They sought to dialecticalise materialist thought. (very rare, non-standard)
American English
- The text attempts to materialise dialectical concepts. (rare)
adverb
British English
- He argued dialectically and materialistically. (highly contrived)
American English
- The process was viewed dialectically-materialistically. (highly contrived)
adjective
British English
- He took a dialectical-materialist approach to the crisis.
American English
- Her dialectical-materialist critique was foundational.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in philosophy, political science, sociology, history, and economics departments when discussing Marxist theory.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only appear in highly politicised discussions.
Technical
Used as a precise term in Marxist theoretical writing and criticism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dialectical materialism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dialectical materialism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dialectical materialism”
- Using 'dialectical materialism' to mean simply 'practical thinking'.
- Confusing it with 'dialectics' alone, which is the method, not the materialist basis.
- Misspelling as 'dialectal materialism' (confusing with language dialects).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related and often used interchangeably. Strictly, 'dialectical materialism' is the broader philosophical worldview about nature, thought, and society, while 'historical materialism' is its application to history and society.
It would be highly unusual and context-specific. The term belongs almost exclusively to academic, philosophical, or ideological discussions about Marxism.
Philosophical idealism, which posits that ideas, consciousness, or the spiritual are the primary drivers of reality and history.
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels are its primary founders, though later Marxist theorists like Vladimir Lenin and Georgi Plekhanov developed it further.
The philosophical theory, developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, that historical development arises from the conflict of opposing social forces (thesis and antithesis), which is driven by material and economic conditions rather than ideas.
Dialectical materialism is usually academic, philosophical, political, technical in register.
Dialectical materialism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.əˌlek.tɪ.kəl məˈtɪə.ri.ə.lɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.əˌlek.tɪ.kəl məˈtɪr.i.ə.lɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The dialectical materialist view”
- “Through the lens of dialectical materialism”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DIAL (as in sundial, marking time/history) made of hard MATERIAL (matter, not ideas) that ticks forward through conflicts (ECTICAL from dialectic).
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORY IS A MATERIAL ENGINE DRIVEN BY CONFLICT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary driver of history in dialectical materialism?