material
HighFormal, Informal, Technical (context-dependent)
Definition
Meaning
The physical substance from which things are made; the matter of something.
Information or ideas that form the content of something (e.g., a book, course); items needed for a particular activity; relevant to a matter under consideration (adj.).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun sense encompasses both tangible/physical matter and abstract/immaterial content (e.g., lecture material). The adjective sense 'relevant' is often used in legal or formal contexts (e.g., material evidence).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. Adjective usage 'material to' (relevant) is equally formal in both. Noun usage is largely identical.
Connotations
No significant connotative differences.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both varieties. The adjectival legal sense may be slightly more frequent in AmE due to legal media.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
material for (sth)material on (sth/topic)material to (sth/issue - adj.)material from (source)made of/out of (a) materialVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “material world”
- “material girl/boy (pop culture)”
- “material witness”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to raw materials, marketing materials, or information materially affecting a financial report.
Academic
Refers to source material, reading material, or experimental materials.
Everyday
Refers to fabric, stuff things are made from, or items needed for a task (e.g., art materials).
Technical
In engineering/physics: properties of a substance; in law: facts material to a case.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Rare/archaic) 'The tailor was commissioned to material the gown with silk.'
American English
- (Rare/archaic) Not commonly used.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form; use 'materially')
American English
- (No standard adverbial form; use 'materially')
adjective
British English
- The witness's testimony was deemed material to the investigation.
American English
- The company filed a report on material changes to its financial status.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My coat is made of warm material.
- We need paper and pencils for our art materials.
- The teacher gave us some reading material for homework.
- What material is your sofa – leather or fabric?
- The prosecution failed to provide any material evidence linking him to the crime.
- We sourced sustainable building materials for the new house.
- The historian sifted through archival material to construct a narrative of the event.
- Any fact material to the patient's diagnosis must be disclosed.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MATER' (Latin for mother) + 'IAL' → the mother or source substance from which things are born.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OBJECTS / CONTENT IS A SUBSTANCE (e.g., 'gather material for the essay').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'material' for a school/university subject (use 'subject').
- Do not confuse with 'materially' (значительно) vs. 'material' as an adjective (вещественный, существенный).
- The Russian word 'материал' is a direct cognate but can be narrower; ensure context fits.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'material' as an uncountable noun when a plural is needed (e.g., 'We need three materials' vs. 'We need three types of material').
- Confusing 'material' (adj.) with 'physical' (e.g., 'material needs' = needs for physical goods, not just 'physical needs').
Practice
Quiz
In a legal context, what does 'material evidence' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. As a substance (e.g., cotton, wood), it's uncountable ('a piece of material'). When referring to types or items, it can be countable ('different building materials', 'promotional materials').
'Material' is the general term. 'Materiel' (pronounced /məˌtɪəriˈɛl/) is a specialised military term referring to equipment, apparatus, and supplies, as opposed to personnel.
Yes, but usually in a fixed or idiomatic sense. 'Material' can informally describe someone with the right qualities (e.g., 'He's officer material'). The phrase 'material girl' derives from pop culture to mean someone focused on physical possessions and wealth.
'Material' as an adjective is more formal and specific, often used in legal, financial, or philosophical contexts to mean 'relevant and consequential' or 'pertaining to physical matter.' 'Important' is a broader, more general term.