material

Relating to physical things, especially money and possessions, rather than thoughts or beliefs.

• She cares little about material possessions.
• Material wealth does not always bring happiness.
• The book explores our attachment to the material world.

Similar words: physical, worldly

Opposites: spiritual

Common phrases: material possessions, material wealth

Important enough to affect a decision, result, or situation.

• The error made no material difference.
• We must report any material change in costs.
• Was this information material to the case?

How to use it: material to something (These facts are material to our decision.)

Similar words: significant, important, substantial

Opposites: immaterial, insignificant

Common phrases: material difference, material change

Relating to what people need for their bodies and daily living, such as food, clothes, and shelter.

• The charity meets their material needs.
• Her material welfare improved after she found work.
• Children need emotional care as well as material support.

Similar words: physical, bodily

Opposites: spiritual

Common phrases: material needs, material welfare

Relating to the facts or content of an argument, rather than the way it is organized.

• The philosopher examined the argument’s material truth.
• We discussed the material content of each premise.
• Material validity depends on the truth of the premises.

Similar words: substantive

Opposites: formal

Common phrases: material truth, material validity

A substance, such as wood, metal, or cloth, that something is made from.

• What material is this bag made from?
• They used recycled materials to build the house.
• The material feels soft against your skin.

How to use it: material for something (This is a good material for outdoor furniture.)

Similar words: substance

Common phrases: raw material, building material

Things, equipment, or information that you use to make something or do an activity.

• Bring your drawing materials to class.
• She collected material for an article.
• The course includes useful training materials.

How to use it: material for something (I collected material for my next book.)

Similar words: resources, supplies

Common phrases: teaching material, material for something

Someone with the qualities needed for a particular job or relationship.

• He is definitely husband material.
• Her manager thinks she is leadership material.
• Do you consider him boyfriend material?

Similar words: appoint

Common phrases: husband material, management material