materialism
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
A value system that prioritizes physical possessions, wealth, and bodily comfort over spiritual or intellectual values.
In philosophy, the theory that physical matter is the fundamental reality and that all phenomena, including mental states and consciousness, are results of material interactions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The philosophical meaning is neutral/technical; the everyday meaning is predominantly negative, critiquing consumer culture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or usage. The philosophical term is identical. The cultural critique is used similarly.
Connotations
Strongly negative in socio-cultural contexts in both varieties. Neutral in academic philosophy.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British academic writing in the philosophical sense (corpus data suggests).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
(to be) a critique of X materialisma shift away from/towards materialismthe materialism of (society/era)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not directly idiomatic; often part of phrases like 'the rat race of materialism']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in critiques of corporate culture or marketing that fuels consumer desire.
Academic
Common in philosophy, sociology, and cultural studies papers. Distinction between 'historical materialism' (Marx) and other types is crucial.
Everyday
Used to criticise a perceived overemphasis on money and possessions in society.
Technical
Precise term in Marxist theory (dialectical/historical materialism) and philosophy of mind (eliminative materialism).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- This society increasingly materialises every aspect of human life.
- The trend materialises a deeper cultural shift.
American English
- The theory materializes consciousness as a brain process.
- Their dreams finally materialized into a profitable business.
adverb
British English
- He viewed the world materialistically, denying any spiritual dimension.
American English
- The philosopher argues materialistically about the nature of thought.
adjective
British English
- He has a very materialistic outlook, always wanting the latest car.
- The film offers a materialistic critique of celebrity culture.
American English
- She grew tired of their materialistic values and moved to a commune.
- A materialistic analysis focuses on economic factors.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Many people think modern society has too much materialism.
- He criticised the materialism of his friends who only cared about money.
- The artist's work is a reaction against the crass materialism of the 1980s.
- Dialectical materialism is a key concept in Marxist theory.
- The novelist's critique extends beyond simple consumerism to a profound examination of philosophical materialism.
- Neuroscience's advancements often lead to debates between materialism and dualism.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MATERIAL-ism: an ISM focused on MATERIAL goods.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A COLLECTION OF POSSESSIONS; THE MIND IS A MACHINE (for philosophical materialism).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'материализм' which is a direct cognate and carries the same two meanings (philosophical and consumerist). The trap is assuming it's a 'false friend' – it is not. Translation is direct.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'materialism' (philosophy/values) with 'material' as in 'relevant' (e.g., 'material evidence').
- Misspelling as 'materialisticism' (the adjective is 'materialistic').
Practice
Quiz
In a non-philosophical, everyday context, 'materialism' most commonly refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In everyday language, yes, it carries a negative judgement. In academic philosophy, it is a neutral descriptive term for a school of thought.
They are closely related. 'Consumerism' focuses on the act of buying goods. 'Materialism' is the underlying value system that prioritizes possessing those goods.
No, 'materialism' is only a noun. The related verb is 'materialize' (to become actual or real), which has a different core meaning.
A Marxist theory that social and historical development is determined primarily by economic (material) conditions and class conflicts, not by ideas.
Collections
Part of a collection
Philosophical Vocabulary
C2 · 44 words · Technical terms used in academic philosophy.