Material
məˈtɪəriəl
Definitions
3 meaningsThe physical substance or substances that something is made from or can be used to make something.
məˈtɪəriəl
The matter from which a thing is or can be made.
The artist used various materials, including canvas and oil paints.
💡 Simply: It's the stuff something is made of! Like, the wood used to build a table or the paint you use to color your drawings. It's what you need to make things.
👶 For kids: The stuff things are made of, like wood or cloth!
More Examples
We need more material for the project.
The building is constructed of durable materials.
How It's Used
"The company needs to order more raw material to continue production."
"The builders used high-quality materials for the new house."
"The artist experimented with different materials, including wood and metal."
Connected with or consisting of physical things; not spiritual.
məˈtɪəriəl
Relating to physical objects or possessions.
The lawyer presented material evidence to the jury.
💡 Simply: This means something is related to stuff you can see, touch, and own. Like your toys or your house. It's about the things we can actually hold.
👶 For kids: Relating to things you can touch and feel.
More Examples
She was interested in material possessions.
The fire caused material damage to the building.
How It's Used
"The material assets of the company were considerable."
"The evidence presented was material to the case."
"The company made a material investment."
Important; essential.
məˈtɪəriəl
Important or essential.
The judge considered the evidence material to the case.
💡 Simply: This means something is really important to a situation. Like a key piece of evidence in a mystery or a crucial ingredient in a recipe. It's the stuff that matters the most.
👶 For kids: Super important or necessary.
More Examples
The company had to disclose material information to investors.
His research provided material insights on the subject.
How It's Used
"The witness provided material testimony."
"The journalist uncovered material facts."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
material world
The world of physical things and possessions.
"She focused less on the material world and more on spiritual growth."
From Latin *māteriālis*, from *māteria* ('matter, stuff').
The word 'material' has been used in English since the late 14th century, initially referring to the matter from which something is made.
Memory tip
Think of the 'stuff' used to build a house or create art.
Word Origin
"of matter, material"