material

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
  2. noun information (data or ideas or observations) that can be used or reworked into a finished form
  3. noun artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers

Etymology

From Middle English material, from Late Latin māteriālis, from Latin māteria (“wood, material, substance”), from māter (“mother”). Displaced native Middle English andweorc, andwork (“material, matter”) (from Old English andweorc (“matter, substance, material”)). Doublet of materiel.

In classic literature

Synonyms

stuff

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