Word: Materialism

Pronunciation

/ˌmætərɪˈælɪzəm/

Definitions

• Noun: (philosophy) The belief that only physical matter exists and that everything, including thought, feeling, and consciousness, can be explained in terms of material phenomena. For example: “His philosophical views were grounded in materialism.”

  Economic/materialism: A preoccupation with or emphasis on material possessions, wealth, and their acquisition as a focus of values and goals. Example: “The rise of consumerism reflects a growing materialism in society.”

Phrases

• “Materialistic worldview”: Refers to the perspective that considers material substances as the fundamental reality and basis for understanding all phenomena.
• “Cultural materialism”: An approach to understanding human societies and cultures by focusing on their material conditions and production processes.

Example Sentences

• Philosophical Materialism: “Marx’s theories are often associated with historical materialism, which posits that societal development is driven by changes in the material conditions of life.”
• Economic Materialism: “Her decision to pursue a high-paying career was driven by her belief in material success being the key to happiness.”

Synonyms

• Physicalism (philosophy)
• Economic pragmatism (in the context of economic/materialism)
• Consumerism (related to the pursuit of material goods)
• Possessiveness (in relation to a strong desire for material possessions)