material pursuits

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "material pursuits" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase generally refer to activities that involve the acquisition of wealth, possessions, or other material items. For example, "The wealthy man spent his life focused on material pursuits rather than making an impact on the world around him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I came to hajj to give up material pursuits but materialism is here in full force.

The Guardian - Opinion

Are we that hostage to material pursuits?

The New York Times - Magazine

In Moscow, in Cairo, in New York, in this Indian capital, they set material pursuits aside for a time and embraced the sublime inconvenience of politics.

The New York Times

And most vivid of all, for me at least, Moses Herzog, Bellow's most achieved dreamer, the least practical of men in an America of vigorous, material pursuits.

The Guardian - Books

Neither Mr. Zuckerman, a graduate of Harvard Law School, nor Mr. Summers expects the fellowships to inspire students to abandon more material pursuits.

The New York Times

Hindus are the religious majority in India1 and given the proscription of material pursuits advocated by Hinduism, a clear delineation of occupations based on castes, and the perpetuation of occupational decisions over generations, it is conceivable that religion influences the propensity to become an entrepreneur.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In your family, avoid succumbing to using consumption as a means of activity and reward; rather, look for inspiration in seeking inner happiness through non-material pursuits and through living one another, and spending time together.

WikiHow

Those games pit a material-minded player, who attempts to win as many of the opponent's pieces as possible, against an opponent who sacrifices material in pursuit of checkmate and usually wins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So Boeing applied the same technologies, including lightweight composite materials, in pursuit of lower costs, rather than higher speeds.

The Economist

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out on a new class of materials in pursuit of nitrogen activation and electrochemical ammonia formation at ambient conditions.

Catalysis Today

This definition is contrasted with a modern definition, which includes the pursuit of material goods and the pursuit of restrictions on freedoms -- happiness through envy, happiness through a smoking ban.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal values, use "material pursuits" to contrast with more abstract concepts like spiritual growth or community service.

Common error

Avoid framing all ambitions solely as "material pursuits", as this can overlook non-tangible goals. Ensure balanced representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "material pursuits" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to activities or goals that are centered around obtaining wealth, possessions, or other tangible items. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms this usage, highlighting examples where it describes life goals or societal trends.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "material pursuits" is a noun phrase describing activities focused on gaining wealth or possessions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it is understood and used across news, scientific, and general domains. When using this term, consider the nuance it brings, especially when contrasting it with other values or goals. The related phrases help enrich understanding of similar terms such as "quest for material possessions" or "pursuit of wealth".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quest for material possessions

Emphasizes the act of seeking material items more explicitly.

pursuit of wealth

Focuses specifically on acquiring riches.

materialistic endeavors

Highlights the active and planned nature of the activities.

consumerism-driven lifestyle

Implies a broader lifestyle shaped by purchasing goods and services.

desire for material gain

Focuses on the craving or wish for material benefits.

acquisitive ambitions

Highlights the intention to acquire possessions, suggesting a strong drive.

economic goals

Broadens the scope to include financial objectives.

worldly aspirations

Includes non-material but tangible goals like fame or power.

commercial interests

Refers to activities directly related to business and trade.

financial ambitions

Specific to financial achievement, excluding other material forms.

FAQs

How can I use "material pursuits" in a sentence?

You can use "material pursuits" to describe activities focused on acquiring wealth or possessions, such as "His life was dominated by "material pursuits", leaving little time for family or personal growth".

What are some alternatives to saying "material pursuits"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "quest for material possessions", "pursuit of wealth", or "materialistic endeavors".

Is it correct to say "materialistic pursuits" instead of "material pursuits"?

Yes, "materialistic pursuits" is a valid alternative. However, it places more emphasis on the underlying mindset or philosophy of materialism compared to the more neutral ""material pursuits"".

What is the difference between "material pursuits" and "spiritual pursuits"?

"Material pursuits" involve seeking tangible goods and wealth, while "spiritual pursuits" involve seeking inner peace, enlightenment, or a connection to something greater than oneself. They represent contrasting values and goals.