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materialism

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materialism

Main Entry:: ma·te·ri·al·ism
Pronunciation:: \mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌli-zəm\
Function:: noun
Date:: 1733

1 a: a theory that physical matter is the only or fundamental reality and that all being and processes and phenomena can be explained as manifestations or results of matter b: a doctrine that the only or the highest values or objectives lie in material well-being and in the furtherance of material progress c: a doctrine that economic or social change is materially caused — compare historical materialism2: a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things

— ma·te·ri·al·ist

\-list\ noun or adjective

— ma·te·ri·al·is·tic

\-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈlis-tik\ adjective

— ma·te·ri·al·is·ti·cal·ly

\-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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