material
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a physical substance used to make things, such as wood, metal, or plastic.
n.a physical substance or matter from which something is or can be made.
Simple“The engineers are testing a new material that is stronger than steel but much lighter.”
In context“The selection of raw materials is critical to the structural integrity of the bridge, especially in regions prone to seismic activity.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
n.cloth or fabric used for making clothes, curtains, or other items.
n.woven, knitted, or felted fabric; cloth.
Simple“She bought five meters of silk material to make a dress for the wedding.”
In context“The designer preferred working with natural materials like linen and wool, citing their breathability and superior drape compared to synthetic alternatives.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.information, notes, or ideas used to create a book, a speech, or a show.
n.data, observations, or ideas that serve as the basis for a finished work or a judgment.
Simple“The comedian spent months writing new material for his upcoming world tour.”
In context“The historian spent years in the national archives, meticulously gathering source material for her definitive biography of the prime minister.”
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.relating to physical things rather than thoughts or feelings.
adj.relating to or consisting of physical matter; corporeal as opposed to spiritual or intellectual.
Simple“The monk gave up all his material possessions to live a simple life in the mountains.”
In context“In a world increasingly focused on material wealth, the philosopher argued for a return to communal and intellectual values.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
adj.important enough to change a situation or a decision.
adj.having real importance or great consequences; significant or essential to a case or argument.
Simple“The lawyer argued that the new evidence was material to the case and should be heard.”
In context“The court ruled that the defendant's failure to disclose his previous convictions constituted a material breach of the contract.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'material evidence' or 'material change'.
SynonymsAntonyms
Usage materials science · materials used · material damage
“He told UNMISS that “everything was looted” – including hospital beds, educational materials and even chairs, and “there is nothing here now”.”
“In the months before, Lisa says a public relations agency had been tasked with producing AI-generated material that she and her colleagues were asked to edit.”
From Middle English material, from Late Latin māteriālis, from Latin māteria (“wood, material, substance”), from māter (“mother”). Displaced native Middle English andweorc, andwork (“material, matter”) (from Old English andweorc (“matter, substance, material”)). Doublet of materiel.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.