dematerialize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dematerialize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the process of becoming immaterial or disappearing, often in scientific or philosophical discussions. Example: "The magician claimed he could dematerialize objects before our very eyes, leaving the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

I am only a roaring of the holy voice" — causes harmony almost to dematerialize before one's ears.

The New Yorker

To say that real, big things should be considered as metaphors shows some doubt in their realness, a will to dematerialize; the moment a thing becomes a mere figure of speech, its bright noon is past.

The New Yorker

Connie, for her part, whenever it became clear that the boys were going off to be boys, knew enough to fall back and dematerialize without reproach or entreaty.

The New Yorker

The real building is an exact analogue to the renderings of this site, which, like so many other renderings, blur and dematerialize the neighbors.

The New Yorker

The gaps are useful for heat and air-conditioning, too, but their aesthetic accomplishment is to dematerialize the walls; the visitor moves through spaces demarcated as if by Japanese paper screens.

The New Yorker

"Spinoza predicted that art would dematerialize," he said, "and to a large degree it has.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Forms in their pictures lost their clear outlines and became dematerialized, shimmering and vibrating in a re-creation of actual outdoor conditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the 1970s Prix and Swiczinsky, who had both studied at the Technical University of Vienna, created designs that dematerialized the heaviness of conventional architecture through unexpected airy angles and complicated spatial solutions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His last sculpture also went through several revisions on the same block of stone and in its current state is an almost dematerialized sketch of two figures leaning together.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nevertheless, he joined a growing chorus of people calling for the elimination of individual actors' idiosyncrasies and the "dematerializing" of the stage and propelled these demands into public debate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The exquisite rhythm of the lines and dematerialized forms of Gabriel and Mary in the central portion of The Annunciation led a number of artists to imitation, but none of them achieved such vibrant contours and such spirited forms as did Simone in this great masterpiece.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dematerialize" when you want to convey the idea of something losing its physical form or disappearing in a way that suggests a change in its fundamental nature, rather than a simple disappearance.

Common error

Avoid using "dematerialize" when simpler terms like "disappear" or "vanish" are more appropriate. "Dematerialize" implies a deeper transformation than merely going out of sight.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dematerialize" is as a verb. It describes the action of something ceasing to be material or physical. Ludwig confirms its usability in describing such transformations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dematerialize" is a verb used to describe the process of something disappearing by becoming immaterial. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media contexts. While synonyms like "disappear" or "vanish" exist, "dematerialize" implies a transformation of physical state, making it most appropriate in discussions of science fiction, conceptual art, or philosophical concepts. When writing, use "dematerialize" to convey the idea of a fundamental change, avoiding its overuse in simple disappearance scenarios. The provided examples and linguistic analysis offer a comprehensive guide to effectively incorporating "dematerialize" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappear

A general term for ceasing to be visible.

vanish

Implies a sudden and complete disappearance.

become immaterial

Focuses on the transformation from physical to non-physical.

fade away

Suggests a gradual disappearance.

becoming intangible

Focuses on a physical form becoming non-physical

dissolve

Implies breaking down into component parts until no longer visible.

lose substance

Emphasizes the loss of physical form or solidity.

evaporate

Suggests disappearing like a liquid turning into vapor.

cease to exist

A more formal way of saying something disappears entirely.

pass from sight

Emphasizes movement out of view.

FAQs

How can I use "dematerialize" in a sentence?

You can use "dematerialize" to describe something disappearing by becoming immaterial, such as, "The projection appeared to "dematerialize" the building into light and sound" or, "Spinoza predicted that art would "dematerialize"."

What's a simple way to say "dematerialize"?

Simpler alternatives to "dematerialize" include "disappear", "vanish", or "fade away", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "dematerialize" most appropriately used?

"Dematerialize" is suitable in contexts discussing science fiction, conceptual art, or philosophical ideas about the nature of reality, where the loss of physical form is a central theme.

Is it correct to use "dematerialize" to describe a person disappearing?

Yes, it can be used to describe a person disappearing, especially in a fantastical or science fiction context where the disappearance involves a change in their physical state. However, in everyday contexts, "disappear" or "vanish" are more common.