material comfort

USAGE SUMMARY

"material comfort" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to the physical comforts provided by material possessions or resources. For example, "He has achieved success in life, but he realized that material comfort cannot compare to the peace of mind he has now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The family lived in great material comfort.

The Guardian - Books

Lady, stuck in her "gilded cage" of material comfort, finds her own life too small.

The New York Times - Books

More dire than her own material comfort, she said, were the prospects for her two sons.

The New York Times

Hence the boom years created their own moral unease, a discomfort with our material comfort.

The Guardian

Accustomed to a life of material comfort and choice, they don't define success in the standard ways.

The New Yorker

Happily for you, you will never know what it is to want for any material comfort or luxury.

Independent

Also, they now have the material comfort and social stability to be able to go it alone.

The New York Times - Arts

Lousy childhoods leave their impress, parental flaws are passed down and material comfort is no stay against self-pity.

The Guardian - Books

One is the ethos of consumerism, with its emphasis on material comfort and hedonism (particularly the sexual variety).

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is one of those turning points in history when a citizenry, so far pleased with economic gain, wants more than material comfort," said Chanda.

The New York Times

In the minor arcana wands deal mainly with business matters and career ambitions, cups with love, swords with conflict, and coins with money and material comfort.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When contrasting "material comfort" with non-material aspects of life, such as happiness or fulfillment, use it to highlight the limitations of wealth in providing complete satisfaction.

Common error

Avoid using "material comfort" as a synonym for overall well-being or happiness. It's a component of comfort, but not necessarily the source of joy or fulfillment. Equating the two can lead to shallow or misleading arguments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "material comfort" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It describes a state or condition characterized by ease and well-being derived from tangible assets. Ludwig provides examples showing how it is used to indicate living standards and lifestyles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "material comfort" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a state of ease and well-being derived from possessions and financial stability. According to Ludwig, it commonly appears in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, reflecting its relevance in discussions about lifestyle, economics, and societal well-being. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it appropriate for various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, "material comfort" is indeed correct and usable in written English, allowing users to refer to physical comforts provided by material possessions or resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

financial security

Focuses specifically on the financial aspect of comfort, implying stability and freedom from monetary worries.

economic well-being

Emphasizes the overall economic health and prosperity contributing to a comfortable life.

affluent lifestyle

Highlights the lifestyle characterized by wealth and abundance, directly related to material possessions.

comfortable circumstances

Broader term encompassing various aspects of comfort, not exclusively material but often including it.

life of luxury

Suggests a high degree of material comfort, often associated with extravagance and indulgence.

prosperity and ease

Highlights both the financial success (prosperity) and the resulting comfort and lack of hardship (ease).

state of affluence

Focuses on the condition of being wealthy, implying access to material comforts.

good standard of living

Indicates a generally high quality of life, where material aspects play a significant role.

plush existence

Emphasizes the opulence and richness of a lifestyle, suggesting a high level of material comfort.

comfortable existence

A more general phrase emphasizing a life free from hardship and want, often due to material security.

FAQs

How is "material comfort" different from happiness?

"Material comfort" refers to the ease and well-being derived from possessions and financial stability, while happiness is a broader emotional state that encompasses joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment. You can have "financial security" without necessarily being happy.

What are some alternatives to "material comfort"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "affluent lifestyle", "comfortable circumstances", or "life of luxury".

Is it grammatically correct to say "material comforts"?

Yes, "material comforts" is grammatically correct. The plural form emphasizes the multiple possessions and resources that contribute to a comfortable life. For example: "He enjoys the material comforts that his wealth provides".

Can "material comfort" guarantee a good life?

While "material comfort" can contribute to a good life by providing security and ease, it's not a guarantee. Factors like relationships, health, and personal fulfillment also play crucial roles. For example: "Despite the "material comfort", she still felt unfulfilled".