dialectical materialism

noun

: the Marxist theory that maintains the material basis of a reality constantly changing in a dialectical process and the priority of matter over mind compare historical materialism

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Few of the younger nationalists there would likely have realized that the man writing a magnum opus on dialectical materialism on the outskirts of Jakarta was the revolutionary of legend. —

Thomas Meaney, The New Yorker, 10 May 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dialectical materialism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of dialectical materialism was in 1898

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Dictionary Entries Near dialectical materialism

dialectical

dialectical materialism

dialectical theology

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Dialectical materialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dialectical%20materialism. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

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