What does materialism mean?
Materialism is chiefly a philosophical doctrine holding that matter and physical processes constitute reality, or that phenomena should ultimately be explained through material causes. It is commonly contrasted with idealism, which gives priority to mind, ideas, or spiritual reality. In everyday cultural and economic writing, materialism has a second, usually more critical meaning: an emphasis on wealth, possessions, comfort, and material success. The word can therefore describe either a serious philosophical position or a social tendency that treats worldly goods as central to life and achievement. When discussing philosophy, context usually makes the intellectual sense clear; when describing consumer or economic culture, the evaluative sense is often intended. The term is related to materialist and materialistic, which are the corresponding forms commonly used for a person or an attitude.
nounMaterialism is the philosophical view that matter and physical processes constitute the whole of reality, or that reality should be understood without appeal to supernatural causes. In modern social and economic discussion, it also denotes a strong emphasis on material possessions and worldly success.
- The philosophical doctrine that matter and physical processes are the only reality, or that explanations should ultimately be based on material conditions.
- A strong emphasis on material possessions, wealth, comfort, or worldly success, especially in cultural or economic analysis.
"The debate between materialism and idealism has influenced philosophy for centuries."
"The philosopher argued that human consciousness could be explained entirely in material terms."
"Critics of consumer materialism argue that economic success is valued more heavily than community and well-being."
The plural is possible but uncommon, usually when referring to different versions or examples of materialist philosophy.
"The study compares several materialisms and their responses to religious belief."
Materialism asks a radical question: can matter alone account for everything we experience?
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does materialism come from?
The word comes from English material, ultimately from Latin materialis, meaning “of matter” or “consisting of matter.” Adding the suffix -ism produces the sense of a doctrine or system based on matter. Related forms include materialist and materialistic, while material and materially share the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How materialism is actually used
In philosophy, the term is usually precise and neutral, referring to a family of views. In cultural or economic contexts, it often carries a critical connotation and suggests an excessive focus on possessions.
Easily confused with materialism
Materialism is a philosophical doctrine or social tendency, whereas materialistic is an adjective describing someone or something focused on material possessions.
Materialism concerns the philosophical or cultural importance of matter, while materiality refers to the quality or state of being material or physically observable.