A2noun1K

Material

UK /["/məˈtɪəriəl/"]/US /["/məˈtɪriəl/"]/

Definition

a substance that things can be made from

In simple words: The substance or matter that things are made of.

Examples

  • The dress is made from a beautiful fabric that is a soft material.
  • We need to buy all the necessary material to complete the project.
  • Plastic is a common material used in many products today.
  • She recorded the important material from the lecture for later review.
  • When you write a book, you need to gather your material first.

Usage notes

Used in both everyday and academic contexts. In casual speech, it can refer to anything from fabric to resources for projects. Avoid using in very technical or specific scientific contexts unless the material is defined.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'material' as 'material things', like the fabric you can touch.

Collocations

  • combustible
  • flammable
  • hazardous
  • contain
  • incorporate
  • use
  • fascinating
  • good
  • relevant
  • collect
  • find
  • gather
  • material for
  • material on
  • coarse
  • rough
  • thick
  • piece
  • scrap
  • strip

Synonyms

  • fabric

Antonyms

  • immaterial
  • insubstantial
  • nonphysical

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'materiel', which refers to military supplies.
  • Used inappropriately as an adjective when referring to characteristic qualities (e.g., 'material nature' should just be 'nature').