What does materially mean?
Materially is an adverb meaning to a significant or consequential extent. It is especially common in legal, business, academic, and technical writing, where precision matters. Saying that something “materially affects” a result indicates that the effect is substantial enough to change the outcome, not simply that some measurable difference exists. The word can also distinguish practical or physical considerations from moral, legal, or theoretical ones, although this less common sense should be understood from context. Materially differs from “slightly,” “somewhat,” and “minimally,” which imply limited importance, while it remains less absolute than words such as “completely” or “entirely.” Its principal value is in emphasizing scale: a materially better result, a material change in circumstances, or a materially significant risk. The adverb is also used when discussing what has a real, practical consequence rather than what is merely nominal or apparent.
adverbTo a significant extent; in a way that produces a substantial or consequential effect. It can also mean in a manner connected with physical or material matters.
- To a significant or consequential extent.
- In a manner connected with physical, material, or practical matters.
"The proposed policy could materially affect the lives of millions of people."
"New evidence has materially changed our understanding of the disease."
"The distinction is moral rather than material, so material considerations do not apply."
The key to “materially” is consequence: it describes a change important enough to affect the outcome.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does materially come from?
The word comes through French materialement, from Latin materialiter, an adverb formed from materialis, “pertaining to matter or material things.” The Latin root materialis is in turn associated with materia, meaning “matter, material, or substance.” English later extended the word from physical substance to the broader sense of significance or consequence, while retaining its association with material and practical considerations.
Related word forms
How materially is actually used
Chiefly formal and common in legal, business, academic, and statistical contexts. It often describes an effect that is substantial enough to alter a result, decision, or situation, rather than merely noticeable.