materialist Definition
- 1a person who believes that material possessions and physical comfort are more important than spiritual values
- 2a person who is excessively concerned with material possessions and wealth
Using materialist: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "materialist" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was a materialist who believed that money could buy happiness.
Example
The materialist lifestyle of the rich and famous is often criticized.
Example
She was accused of being a materialist because of her obsession with designer clothes.
materialist Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for materialist
- consumerist
- hedonist
- worldly person
Antonyms for materialist
- spiritualist
- idealistic person
Phrases with materialist
a Marxist theory that emphasizes the importance of material conditions in shaping society and history
Example
The concept of dialectical materialism is central to Marxist philosophy.
a Marxist theory that explains social phenomena as the result of economic and historical forces
Example
Historical materialism is a key component of Marxist thought.
the belief that everything can be explained by natural causes and laws, without the need for supernatural or spiritual explanations
Example
Scientific materialism is a fundamental principle of modern science.
Origins of materialist
from French 'matérialiste', from Latin 'materia' meaning 'matter'
Summary: materialist in Brief
A 'materialist' [məˈtɪərɪəlɪst] is someone who prioritizes material possessions and physical comfort over spiritual values. It can also refer to someone who is excessively concerned with wealth and possessions. Examples include 'He was a materialist who believed that money could buy happiness.' 'Materialist' has specific meanings in Marxist theory, such as 'dialectical materialism' and 'historical materialism.'