Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Philosophy): The philosophical theory that matter is the only fundamental reality, and that all phenomena, including mental states and consciousness, are the result of material interactions.
   • (General Attitude): A preoccupation with or emphasis on material objects, comforts, and considerations, often accompanied by a neglect of spiritual, intellectual, or cultural values. A strong desire for wealth and physical possessions.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Philosophical Sense):
  • The philosopher's work was a critique of scientific materialism.
  • Dialectical materialism is a core concept in certain political theories.
• Noun (Attitudinal Sense):
  • The rampant materialism of modern society often overlooks personal well-being.
  • His life was characterized by a shallow materialism, focused solely on acquiring luxury goods.

Advanced Usage

• "Vulgar materialism": A term often used to criticize an excessively simplistic or crude focus on material wealth and physical comfort.
  • The novel is a satire on the vulgar materialism of the new elite.
• "Historical materialism": A specific Marxist theory that interprets history and social change primarily through economic and material conditions.
  • The analysis was grounded in the principles of historical materialism.

Variants and Related Words

• Materialist (noun): A person who supports the theory of materialism or who is primarily concerned with material possessions.
  • He was a staunch materialist who believed consciousness was purely physical.
• Materialistic (adjective): Characterized by a preoccupation with material things rather than spiritual or intellectual values.
  • She rejected the materialistic lifestyle of her peers.
• Materialistically (adverb): In a materialistic manner.
  • He viewed the world materialistically, seeing everything in terms of economic value.

Synonyms

• Acquisitiveness: Strong desire to acquire and possess.
• Consumerism: A social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts.
• Physicalism (Philosophy): The doctrine that the real world consists simply of the physical world.

Antonyms

• Idealism (Philosophy): The theory that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual.
• Spiritualism: A focus on spiritual or non-material values.
• Asceticism: Severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "The rat race": While not a direct synonym, this idiom describes the relentless pursuit of material success, often associated with a materialistic lifestyle.
  • He grew tired of the corporate rat race and its inherent materialism.

Noun

1. (philosophy) the philosophical theory that matter is the only reality
2. a desire for wealth and material possessions with little interest in ethical or spiritual matters