Definition of Material
Quick Meaning of Material
Physical things like cloth, wood, or plastic used to make something.
Detailed Definition of Material
A substance used for making or building something, such as fabric, wood, or metal.
How to Pronounce Material
Stress pattern: oOoo (4-syllable word).
Tip: Three syllables: mə-TEER-ē-əl. Stress the second syllable. The final 'l' is soft.
Watch out: Some learners stress the first syllable or drop the final 'al' sound.
Origin and Etymology of Material
From Latin 'materialis', meaning of matter; related to 'matter'.
How to Use Material in a Sentence
Each example shows “material” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The designer chose silk as the material for the dress.”
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“What material is this table made from?”
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“The construction company needed more building material.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Material
Common Synonyms for Material
Smart Synonyms for Material — When to Use Each
- substance
- For any type of physical matter
- fabric
- Specifically for cloth or woven materials
Common Collocations with Material
These phrases pair with “material” in everyday English:
- raw material
- building material
- material world
Common Mistakes When Using Material
Even fluent speakers slip up with “material”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The material are very expensive.
- ✓ Correct: The material is very expensive.
- Why: Material (singular) takes singular verb 'is', even though it refers to stuff.
- ✗ Wrong: I need materials for make the poster.
- ✓ Correct: I need materials to make the poster.
- Why: Use 'to' + infinitive (to make), not 'for' + gerund, in this context.
Words Confused With Material
- Material vs Matter: Material is substance used to build things; matter is general physical substance. Compare →
Other Forms of Material
Frequently Asked Questions About Material
What is the meaning of "Material"?
Physical things like cloth, wood, or plastic used to make something.
How do you pronounce "Material"?
The IPA is /məˈtɪriəl/. Three syllables: mə-TEER-ē-əl. Stress the second syllable. The final 'l' is soft.
What part of speech is "Material"?
"Material" is a noun at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Material"?
Common synonyms include substance, fabric, matter.
How do you use "Material" in a sentence?
For example: "The designer chose silk as the material for the dress."