verb
C2
Proficient
materialize
muh-TIH-ree-uh-lyz
Materialize (verb) means to become real or actually happen, especially after being planned or hoped for. Example: “The promised pay rise never materialized.”
verb
1
To become real or actually happen, especially after being planned or hoped for.
"The promised pay rise never materialized."
"Their plans to move abroad finally materialized last spring."
2
To suddenly appear, as if out of nowhere.
"A figure materialized out of the fog at the end of the street."
How to use materialize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo turn from an idea or possibility into an actual, real thing — or to suddenly appear.
UK vs US
Spelled "materialise" in British English.
Common pairings
plans failed to materialize
fears materialized
materialize out of thin air
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- materializes
- Past tense
- materialized
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The promised pay rise never _____.
Etymology
Formed from material plus the verb-forming suffix -ize.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for materialize
See all rhymes for materialize →Frequently asked questions
What does “materialize” mean?
The word “materialize” means to become real or actually happen, especially after being planned or hoped for. In plain terms, to turn from an idea or possibility into an actual, real thing — or to suddenly appear.
How do you pronounce “materialize”?
“Materialize” is pronounced muh-TIH-ree-uh-lyz (/məˈtɪɹiəlaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “materialize” in a sentence?
Here is “materialize” used in a sentence: “The promised pay rise never materialized.”
What part of speech is “materialize”?
“Materialize” is a verb.
How many meanings does “materialize” have?
“Materialize” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to become real or actually happen, especially after being planned or hoped for.
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