What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
commercialism
Example
The holiday season is often associated with commercialism, as businesses heavily promote their products. [commercialism: noun]
Example
The rise of commercialism has led to the spread of advertising in various aspects of our daily lives. [commercialism: noun]
materialism
Example
His materialism drove him to constantly seek out expensive luxury items. [materialism: noun]
Example
She realized that her pursuit of materialism was not bringing her true fulfillment. [materialism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Materialism is more commonly used than commercialism in everyday language. Materialism is a term that is often discussed in philosophical and sociological contexts, while commercialism is less frequently used in everyday conversations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between commercialism and materialism?
Both commercialism and materialism can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, materialism is more commonly associated with academic and philosophical discussions, making it slightly more formal in certain contexts.