materialism Definition
- 1a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values
- 2the belief that only physical matter and its properties exist
Using materialism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "materialism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
His materialism was evident in his obsession with buying expensive cars and clothes.
Example
The philosophy of materialism holds that everything can be explained by physical laws.
Example
The rise of materialism in society has led to a decline in moral values.
materialism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for materialism
Antonyms for materialism
- idealism
- spirituality
Phrases with materialism
a Marxist theory that views the world as a product of material interactions and conflicts
Example
The concept of dialectical materialism is central to Marxist ideology.
a Marxist theory that explains historical development in terms of the interaction between economic and social forces
Example
Historical materialism is a key component of Marxist thought.
an anthropological theory that emphasizes the role of material conditions in shaping culture
Example
Cultural materialism seeks to explain cultural practices in terms of their material basis.
Origins of materialism
from Latin 'materia', meaning 'matter'
Summary: materialism in Brief
Materialism [məˈtɪərɪəlɪzəm] refers to a tendency to prioritize material possessions and physical comfort over spiritual values, or the belief that only physical matter exists. Examples include an obsession with buying expensive items and the view that everything can be explained by physical laws. Materialism extends into phrases like 'dialectical materialism' and 'historical materialism,' which are Marxist theories that view the world as a product of material interactions and conflicts.
