n.
Pronunciation: m ə - ' tir- ē - ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English materiel, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin materialis, from Latin materia matter ― more at MATTER
Date: 14th century
1 a (1) : relating to, derived from, or consisting of matter especially : PHYSICAL <the material world> (2) : BODILY < material needs> b (1) : of or relating to matter rather than form < material cause> (2) : of or relating to the subject matter of reasoning especially : EMPIRICAL < material knowledge>
2 : having real importance or great consequences <facts material to the investigation>
3 a : being of a physical or worldly nature b : relating to or concerned with physical rather than spiritual or intellectual things < material progress>
– ma · te · ri · al · ly \ - ē - ə -l ē \ adverb
– ma · te · ri · al · ness noun
synonyms MATERIAL , PHYSICAL , CORPOREAL , PHENOMENAL , SENSIBLE , OBJECTIVE mean of or belonging to actuality. MATERIAL implies formation out of tangible matter; used in contrast with spiritual or ideal it may connote the mundane, crass, or grasping < material values>. PHYSICAL applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary <the physical benefits of exercise>. CORPOREAL implies having the tangible qualities of a body such as shape, size, or resistance to force <artists have portrayed angels as corporeal beings>. PHENOMENAL applies to what is known or perceived through the senses rather than by intuition or rational deduction <scientists concerned with the phenomenal world>. SENSIBLE stresses the capability of readily or forcibly impressing the senses <the earth's rotation is not sensible to us>. OBJECTIVE may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it <no objective evidence of damage>. synonym see in addition RELEVANT