Material Meaning

UK /məˈtɪə.ri.əl/
US /məˈtɪr.i.əl/
Word Definition
material meaning

Material Definition & Usage

noun

A substance or component from which something is made or constructed.

Examples

  • "Wood is a commonly used material for furniture."
  • "The material for the new building was sourced from local quarries."
  • "Plastic is a versatile material found in many products."
  • "The artist chose to work with natural materials like clay and stone."
  • "This fabric material is ideal for outdoor clothing."
noun

Data, information, or content used in a particular activity or subject.

Examples

  • "The book provides valuable material for students studying history."
  • "The teacher asked for additional material on the topic of climate change."
  • "The documentary includes behind-the-scenes material that sheds new light on the issue."
  • "He found some interesting material for his research project."
  • "I need to gather more material before I can write the report."
adjective

Of importance or relevance, often in the context of legal, financial, or personal matters.

Examples

  • "The evidence presented in court was material to the case."
  • "There was no material difference between the two proposals."
  • "Her actions had no material effect on the company's decision."
  • "The contract contained material clauses that could not be altered."
  • "The damage to the equipment was material enough to affect production."
noun

Fabric or textile used in making clothes or other items.

Examples

  • "The designer used silk as the main material for the gown."
  • "Cotton is a popular material for summer clothing."
  • "The jacket is made of durable waterproof material."
  • "He wore a suit made of the finest wool material."
  • "The chair is upholstered in a soft leather material."

Cultural Context

The word 'material' comes from the Latin 'materia,' meaning 'substance' or 'matter.' Over time, it has expanded to refer not only to physical substances but also to content and significance, reflecting the broader scope of its usage in modern language.

The Material of Success

Story

The Material of Success

Once upon a time in a bustling city, there was an aspiring architect named Emma who dreamed of building the tallest, most innovative skyscraper the city had ever seen. She knew that to create something extraordinary, she needed the right material—not just in the physical sense, but in terms of the ideas and content she would base her design on. Emma started by researching various construction materials. She visited factories, quarries, and suppliers to find the perfect concrete, glass, and steel for her vision. As she stood in a materials yard, feeling the weight of the massive steel beams, she realized that every material had its own story to tell. Each one contributed a unique quality to the structure, just like how each chapter of her design was integral to the final blueprint. But Emma knew that the physical materials alone weren’t enough to create a masterpiece. She also needed 'material' in the form of information—design principles, innovations in building technology, and insights into urban planning. She sought out books, articles, and case studies, collecting them like precious gems. One day, as she sat in her office surrounded by stacks of material, her assistant brought in a legal document that highlighted the 'material' clauses in her construction contract. These clauses were crucial to her project’s success, ensuring everything was in line with regulations. As the building slowly began to take shape, Emma stood on the rooftop one evening, looking at her creation. It wasn’t just the materials that made it stand tall—it was the combination of the right physical substance, valuable knowledge, and the importance of each legal and personal decision. Emma realized that success, like a building, was made up of many materials, each one contributing to the whole.

The Material of Success