The word "materialists" is spelled as /məˈtɪərɪələsts/. This phonetic transcription shows that the word has six syllables and includes three different vowel sounds. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, while the second syllable has the short "i" vowel sound. The third syllable features the "eer" diphthong, and the fourth syllable has the schwa sound again. The final two syllables are pronounced with the "ihst" sound. Materialists are those who believe that only physical matter exists and that spiritual or metaphysical matters do not hold any relevance.
Materialists are individuals who adhere to or advocate for materialism, a philosophical doctrine that asserts the primacy of matter and physical phenomena in understanding reality. Materialism posits that the only valid or existing principles are those that can be attributed to matter and its interactions. As such, materialists reject the notion of the existence of any supernatural or immaterial entities, instead focusing on the tangible world and its observable properties.
In various fields, including philosophy, sociology, and economics, materialists approach the study of phenomena by emphasizing their material and economic aspects, often eschewing metaphysical or spiritual explanations. They view the world as governed by natural laws, and seek to explain events and phenomena through the analysis of their material causes and effects.
Materialists often prioritize empirical evidence and scientific method in understanding and explaining the world, advocating for the use of reason and scientific inquiry. They typically hold that physical matter is the fundamental substance of reality and that any intellectual or psychological phenomena are ultimately reducible to material foundations.
The term "materialists" can also be used to describe individuals whose worldview or lifestyle centers on the pursuit of material possessions and physical comforts, often emphasizing material wealth and consumerism. In this context, materialists are frequently criticized for being overly concerned with material possessions and disregarding more spiritual or intellectual aspects of existence.
The word "materialists" derives from the noun "material" combined with the suffix "-ist".
The noun "material" originated from the Latin word "materia" meaning "substance" or "matter". It was initially used in English during the 14th century to refer to the substance from which something is made or composed. Over time, the term expanded to encompass a broader definition, including physical substance, matter, or even information that can be used as a basis for intellectual work or artistic expression.
The suffix "-ist" is derived from the Latin "-ista" and ultimately the Greek "-istes", indicating a person who follows a specific doctrine or holds a particular belief or theory. When added to "material", it creates the word "materialist", which refers to an adherent or proponent of materialism.