Materialist

/məˈtɪəriəlɪst/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person who values material possessions and physical comfort over spiritual or intellectual values.
As a materialist, he prioritized his salary and possessions over personal fulfillment.
In philosophy, an advocate of the doctrine that nothing exists except matter and its movements and modifications.
The materialist philosopher argued that consciousness is merely a product of physical processes.
adjective
Relating to or characterized by materialism.
Her materialist views often led her to focus on acquiring wealth rather than cultivating relationships.

Etymology

Derived from 'material' and the suffix '-ist', indicating a person associated with a particular theory or practice.

Common Phrases and Expressions

materialist culture
A culture that emphasizes material wealth and consumer goods over spiritual or intellectual values.
materialistic lifestyle
A way of living that prioritizes consumerism and the acquisition of wealth.
materialistic view
A perspective that regards physical possessions as more significant than emotional or spiritual fulfillment.

Related Words

materialism
The doctrine that physical matter is the sole reality.
consumerism
The preoccupation with and inclination toward purchasing goods and services.
physicalism
The doctrine that everything is physical or as the result of physical processes.

Slang Meanings

Cash grabber
He's such a cash grabber, always chasing the next big sale without any consideration for art.
Stuff hoarder
Don't be a stuff hoarder; being a materialist won't make you happy.