materiality

IPA/məˌtɪə.riˈæl.ə.ti/
KK[mətˌɪriˈælɪti]IPA/məˈtɪr.iˈæl.ə.t̬i/

materiality — noun

  • materialitysingular
  • materialitiesplural

1. The state or property of existing as actual matter in the world — something that

1.名詞C1
釋義

The state or property of existing as actual matter in the world — something that can be touched, held, or physically sensed rather than existing only as a thought or image.

例句

The materiality of the old stone wall surprised Mira as she touched its rough surface.

materiality of + physical object

In philosophy class, Tomás argued that digital photos lack the materiality of printed pictures.

同義詞
  • physicality

    more common in everyday language; suggests bodily or tangible presence

  • corporeality

    formal, used mainly in philosophy and theology

  • substantiality

    emphasises solidity and weight rather than tangibility

反義詞

文法句型

the materiality of + noun phrase

用法筆記

This sense is most common in philosophy, art criticism, and materials science rather than everyday speech. Objects with strong materiality feel physically present and weighty. Often contrasted with 'immateriality' or 'abstractness'.

常見錯誤

❌The materiality of the problem made it hard to solve.' (using sense 1 for 'importance').
✅The materiality of the rock was clear when I picked it up.
💡sense 1 is about physical substance, not significance.
❌The fabric's materiality felt soft.' (redundant — 'texture' is the right word).
✅The artist explored the materiality of clay through touch.
💡'materiality' here names the quality of being a physical substance.

2. The quality of being important or relevant enough to influence a decision, judgm

2.名詞C1
釋義

The quality of being important or relevant enough to influence a decision, judgment, or financial outcome — especially in accounting and law, where a fact or amount is material if ignoring it would mislead someone.

例句

The accountant checked the materiality of the five-thousand-dollar error before deciding to adjust the books.

assess/check the materiality of [error/amount] in accounting

Kemi argued that the new evidence had materiality because it could change the court's decision.

同義詞
  • significance

    broader and less technical; works in many non-professional contexts

  • relevance

    focuses on connection to the matter at hand rather than degree of impact

  • importance

    generic term; does not carry the professional weight of 'materiality'

反義詞

文法句型

the materiality of + noun phrase

materiality + in + field/context

用法筆記

A central concept in auditing and securities law. The 'materiality principle' states that an item is material if its omission or misstatement could influence the economic decisions of users of financial reports. Frequently paired with verbs such as 'assess', 'determine', 'evaluate', and 'test'.

常見錯誤

❌The materiality of the dress was high.' (confusing with sense 1 — physical fabric).
✅The auditor tested the materiality of the accounting error.
💡sense 2 is about importance and decision-making.
❌The materiality of the lecture was boring.' (should use 'the content' or 'the topic').
✅The materiality of the missing documents was confirmed by the judge.
💡refers to legal relevance.