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 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