Materialistic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Materialistic describes a person who prioritizes physical possessions and wealth over spiritual or intellectual values. It can also refer to an excessive focus on material goods and comfort.
Definition:
Excessively concerned with physical comforts or wealth rather than spiritual or intellectual values.
Synonyms:
acquisitive, greedy, covetous, consumerist
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
spiritual, ascetic
Common Collocations:
materialistic society, materialistic values, materialistic lifestyle
Derivatives:
materialism, materialistically
Usage Tips:
Use "materialistic" to describe someone overly focused on possessions or wealth, often negatively implying superficiality.
Common Phrases:
keeping up with the Joneses, money can't buy happiness, rat race
Etymology:
Derived from "materialism," from Latin "materia" (matter) + "-istic," emphasizing physical over abstract concerns.
Examples:
- 1. She criticized his materialistic obsession with designer clothes.
- 2. Their materialistic lifestyle left little room for meaningful relationships.
- 3. Many argue that modern society has become too materialistic.
- 4. He realized money couldn’t fix his materialistic emptiness.