materials: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No, but it is most commonly used in the plural when referring to a collection of physical items or resources for a specific purpose. The singular 'material' can be a mass noun (e.g., 'a piece of material') or refer to an abstract concept (e.g., 'material evidence').

'Material' typically refers to a specific type of substance used for a purpose (e.g., building material). 'Matter' is a more general scientific term for anything that occupies space and has mass, or can refer to a subject or situation (e.g., 'organic matter', 'a matter of concern').

Yes, in modern usage, 'materials' can refer to digital resources, such as 'downloadable teaching materials', 'digital marketing materials', or 'research materials in a PDF format'.

If you are talking about the general concept or substance in a non-countable way, use 'material' (e.g., 'The sculpture was made of a strange material'). If you are talking about specific items, supplies, or a collection of resources, use 'materials' (e.g., 'We gathered our materials and began the experiment').

The substance or substances from which a physical object is made or composed.

Materials is usually formal, semi-formal, informal, technical in register.

Materials: in British English it is pronounced /məˈtɪə.ri.əlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈtɪr.i.əlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.