material cause: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Philosophical
Quick answer
What does “material cause” mean?
In Aristotelian philosophy, the substance or matter from which something is made, one of the four causes explaining why a thing exists or changes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Aristotelian philosophy, the substance or matter from which something is made, one of the four causes explaining why a thing exists or changes.
The physical components, raw materials, or constituent elements that form the basis of an object, system, or event. In modern extended use, it can refer to the tangible or foundational factors contributing to a situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in academic philosophy circles in both regions.
Connotations
Strongly connotes classical philosophy, academic discourse, and theoretical analysis.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Usage is almost exclusively confined to philosophy, history of ideas, and related humanities texts.
Grammar
How to Use “material cause” in a Sentence
[The/its] material cause [of + NOUN PHRASE] is [NOUN PHRASE][NOUN PHRASE] constitutes the material cause [of + NOUN PHRASE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “material cause” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The material-causal analysis was central to his argument.
American English
- She focused on the material-causal aspect of the problem.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in philosophy, classics, history of science, and critical theory to discuss Aristotelian metaphysics or its influence.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used as a precise term in philosophical analysis and commentary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “material cause”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “material cause”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “material cause”
- Using it to mean 'a significant reason' or 'a physical trigger' in non-philosophical contexts.
- Confusing it with 'efficient cause' (the maker/agent).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. Modern science typically seeks 'efficient causes' (mechanisms). The Aristotelian framework, including material cause, is more common in philosophy and history of science.
No. In its correct technical sense, it never means 'a substantial or compelling reason.' That is a common misunderstanding.
The material cause of a wooden table is the wood. The material cause of a silicon chip is the purified silicon.
Use it precisely within a philosophical discussion, often introducing it with 'According to Aristotle...' or 'In Aristotelian terms...' to provide context.
Material cause is usually formal, academic, philosophical in register.
Material cause: in British English it is pronounced /məˈtɪə.ri.əl kɔːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈtɪr.i.əl kɑːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STATUE. The MATERIAL CAUSE is the MARBLE it's carved from (the 'stuff' it's made of).
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATION IS MATERIAL (The material cause is the foundational 'stuff' upon which form is imposed).
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'the material cause of the house,' what is most likely being referred to?