materialism

[məˈtɪərɪəlɪzəm]

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

Antonyms for materialism

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'

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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.