What does materialising mean?
Materialising means bringing something from the realm of ideas or imagination into tangible existence. A plan materialises when it becomes a working project; a design materialises when it is physically constructed; and a vague suspicion materialises when it takes the form of concrete evidence. The verb can also be used intransitively, as when an anticipated event gradually materialises or a previously unseen figure appears. Its British spelling is materialising, with -ise, although American English normally spells the same word materializing. The word carries a sense of gradual definition and development: an idea, plan, or possibility acquires a visible or practical form. It is especially useful in discussions of art, architecture, technology, planning, and storytelling, where an abstract concept becomes something that can be experienced directly.
To cause something abstract, imagined, or planned to become real or perceptible.
"The team worked for years to materialise its ambitious architectural concept."
Often used with an idea, plan, design, or possibility as the object, and with into or as to describe the resulting form.
To appear or take shape, especially in response to anticipation or expectation.
"A new threat materialised just as the officials were preparing to leave."
This intransitive use often suggests that something has gradually become evident or arrived.
A thought can remain imaginary for years, but materialising is the moment it acquires a physical form.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does materialising come from?
The word derives from material, in turn from the Latin materialis, meaning “consisting of matter.” Adding the verbal suffix -ise or -ize developed the sense of making something material or causing it to take form. Related English words such as materiality, immaterial, and materialism share the same Latin root. The spelling with -ise is characteristic of British usage, while -ize is standard in American English.
Related word forms
How materialising is actually used
The British spelling generally uses -ise, while American English uses -ize. In figurative contexts, the verb often suggests that something thought to be merely possible has finally become real.
Easily confused with materialising
Materialise is the British spelling, while materialize is the American spelling of the same verb.