materialism

ma·te·ri·al·ism

noun \mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌli-zəm\

Definition of MATERIALISM

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 materialism

2

: 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

Examples of MATERIALISM

1. the materialism of modern society

First Known Use of MATERIALISM

1733

Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, dualism, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism

Rhymes with MATERIALISM

abolitionism, academicism, agrarianism, anthropomorphism, anti-Semitism, bicameralism, colloquialism, colonialism, constitutionalism, cosmopolitism, ecumenicism, exceptionalism, exhibitionism, existentialism, fundamentalism, Hegelianism, hermaphroditism, hyperrealism, imperialism, industrialism, instrumentalism, interventionism, irrationalism, isolationism, Malthusianism, Manichaeanism, millennialism, Monophysitism, multilingualism, neoclassicism, Neoplatonism, neorealism, Nestorianism, Occidentalism, orientalism, parochialism, Pelagianism, phenomenalism, photojournalism, pictorialism, Postimpressionism, professionalism, pseudoclassicism, reconstructionism, republicanism, Rosicrucianism, sacerdotalism, self-determinism, sadomasochism, sectarianism, sensationalism, sentimentalism, spiritualism, Tractarianism, traditionalism, transcendentalism, ultramontanism, universalism, utopianism, vocationalism