Meaning & Definition of word "Immaterial"

Immaterial

/ˌɪməˈtɪəriəl/

adjective:

  • 1. Not relevant or pertinent to a particular matter; not important.
    • Example: The judge ruled that the witness's previous remarks were immaterial to the case.
  • 2. Lacking physical substance; incorporeal.
    • Example: In the realm of pure philosophy, some argue that the mind is immaterial to the physical world.
  • 3. Of no substantial consequence; not essential.
    • Example: The committee concluded that the proposed changes were immaterial to the overall project.

Etymology

From Latin 'immaterialis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'materialis' meaning 'material'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

immaterial evidence:

Evidence that is not relevant or significant to the case at hand.

immaterial to the discussion:

Referring to information that does not contribute to or affect the discussion.

immaterial facts:

Facts that do not have an impact on the outcome of a situation.

Related Words

material:

Having physical substance; tangible.

spiritual:

Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.

nonphysical:

Not relating to or having a physical form.

Slang Meanings of immaterial

Meaning: Of no importance or significance in a casual context.

Example Sentence: All those complaints about the setup were immaterial; we won the game!

Meaning: Something that doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

Example Sentence: Getting upset over that minor mistake is just immaterial.