materialism
muh-TEER-ree-uh-lih-zuhm
Materialism (noun) means a strong focus on owning possessions and acquiring wealth, often at the expense of other values. Example: “Critics accuse the holiday season of encouraging materialism.”
noun
1
A strong focus on owning possessions and acquiring wealth, often at the expense of other values.
"Critics accuse the holiday season of encouraging materialism."
2
In philosophy, the view that only physical matter exists and that the mind and consciousness can be explained by it.
"The philosopher defended a strict materialism, denying that anything exists beyond the physical world."
How to use materialism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCaring too much about money and possessions, or, in philosophy, the belief that everything is ultimately physical.
Common pairings
rampant materialism
reject materialism
philosophical materialism
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Word forms
- Plural
- materialisms
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Critics accuse the holiday season of encouraging _____.
Etymology
From French matérialisme, built from material + the suffix -ism.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for materialism
realism
fatalism
idealism
globalism
socialism
vandalism
federalism
radicalism
capitalism
liberalism
surrealism
journalism
See all rhymes for materialism →
Frequently asked questions
What does “materialism” mean?
The word “materialism” means a strong focus on owning possessions and acquiring wealth, often at the expense of other values. In plain terms, caring too much about money and possessions, or, in philosophy, the belief that everything is ultimately physical.
How do you pronounce “materialism”?
“Materialism” is pronounced muh-TEER-ree-uh-lih-zuhm (/məˈtɪɹiəlɪzəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “materialism” in a sentence?
Here is “materialism” used in a sentence: “Critics accuse the holiday season of encouraging materialism.”
What part of speech is “materialism”?
“Materialism” is a noun.
Where does the word “materialism” come from?
The word “materialism” comes from French. From French matérialisme, built from material + the suffix -ism.
Is “materialism” a common word?
“Materialism” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “materialism” have?
“Materialism” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong focus on owning possessions and acquiring wealth, often at the expense of other values.
