Definition of material
1a (1) : relating to, derived from, or consisting of matter; especially : physical the material world (2) : bodily material needsb (1) : of or relating to matter rather than form material cause the material aspect of being (2) : of or relating to the subject matter of reasoning; especially : empirical material knowledge
2 : having real importance or great consequences facts material to the investigation
3a : being of a physical or worldly nature a grossly material form of loveb : relating to or concerned with physical rather than spiritual or intellectual things material progress provide material assistance
materialness
nounRead the Latest from M-W
Examples of material in a Sentence
He is concerned only with his own material comforts.
The researchers included all data that was material.
Origin and Etymology of material
Middle English materiel, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin materialis, from Latin materia matter — more at matter
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of material
synonyms see in addition relevant
material
Definition of material
1a (1) : the elements, constituents, or substances of which something is composed or can be made (2) : matter that has qualities which give it individuality and by which it may be categorized sticky material explosive materialsb (1) : something (such as data) that may be worked into a more finished form material for a biography (2) : something used for or made the object of study material for the next semester (3) : a performer's repertoire a comedian's materialc : matter 3bd : clothe : a person potentially suited to some pursuit varsity material leadership material
2a : apparatus necessary for doing or making something writing materialsb : matériel
Examples of material in a Sentence
paper, plastic, or other materials
She was never without reading material.
The curtains required yards of expensive material.
Origin and Etymology of material
see 1material
First Known Use: 1556
MATERIAL Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of material for English Language Learners
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: relating to or made of matter
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: physical rather than spiritual or intellectual
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: having real importance
material
Definition of material for English Language Learners
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: a substance from which something is made or can be made
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: a substance that has a particular quality
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: something used in doing a particular activity
MATERIAL Defined for Kids
Definition of material for Students
1 : of, relating to, or made of matter : physical the material world
2 : of or relating to a person's bodily needs or wants Money buys material comforts.
3 : having real importance Those facts aren't material to the case.
materially
adverbDefinition of material for Students
1 : the elements, substance, or parts of which something is made or can be made We purchased bricks and other building material.
2 : equipment needed for doing something writing materials
Law Dictionary
Legal Definition of material
1 : of, relating to, or consisting of physical matter
2 : being of real importance or consequence
3 : being an essential component the material terms of the contract
4 : being relevant to a subject under consideration; specifically : being such as would affect or be taken into consideration by a reasonable person in acting or making a decision — see also insider trading
materially
adverbmaterial
Legal Definition of material
: something used for or made the object of consideration or study; specifically : evidence — see also brady material
Learn More about material
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See words that rhyme with material Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for material Spanish Central: Translation of material Nglish: Translation of material for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of material for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about material
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