Materialists

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Individuals who prioritize physical matter or tangible possessions over spiritual or abstract values | People who emphasize the importance of material wealth and goods in their lives while downplaying spiritual concerns | Those who advocate for a worldview that places greater significance on material success and physical reality rather than on idealism or spirituality
2. Individuals who believe that only physical matter has value and often reject spiritual concepts in favor of material possessions
3. Those who assert that material wealth is paramount and often disregard spiritual aspects of existence in favor of tangible assets

Etymology: The term "materialists" traces its roots to the philosophical doctrine of materialism, which posits that physical matter is the only reality and that all phenomena, including mental phenomena and consciousness, are the results of material interactions. The word itself is derived from "material," which comes from the Latin "materialis," meaning "pertaining to matter." The suffix "-ist" indicates a person who practices, adheres to, or advocates a particular doctrine or set of beliefs. Thus, a materialist is someone who subscribes to the principles of materialism. The concept began to gain traction during the Enlightenment, particularly in the 18th century, when thinkers like Denis Diderot and Karl Marx challenged the prevailing metaphysical ideas of their time. The first recorded usage of "materialist" in English appears in the early 19th century, with the term evolving to describe not only philosophical perspectives but also social and economic views grounded in the significance of material conditions over abstract ideals. This shift reflects a broader cultural transition toward valuing empirical evidence and tangible realities over spiritual or idealistic notions. Over time, the term has come to embody various meanings across disciplines. In philosophy, it emphasizes a worldview centered on the material aspects of existence, while in popular discourse, it often refers to a preoccupation with material wealth or possessions. This evolution indicates how language can adapt and expand, taking on new dimensions as societal values and priorities shift. The term "materialists" thus encapsulates both a philosophical stance and a critique of consumer culture, illustrating the complexity and richness of its meaning in contemporary usage.

Synonyms: capitalists, consumers

Antonyms: idealists, spiritualists