1. a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values
2. the philosophical theory that physical matter is the only reality and that everything can be explained in terms of matter and motion
Usage: philosophy

Examples

• The rise of materialism in modern society has led to increased consumer debt.
• She rejected the materialism of her wealthy upbringing and chose a simple lifestyle.
• Critics argue that advertising promotes materialism among young people.
• His materialism made it difficult for him to appreciate non-material gifts.
• The philosopher argued against materialism, claiming that consciousness cannot be reduced to physical processes.
• Scientific materialism seeks to explain all phenomena through physical laws.
• The debate between materialism and idealism has persisted for centuries in philosophy.