materiality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "materiality" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts such as law, accounting, and philosophy to refer to the significance or importance of something in relation to a particular matter or situation. Example: "The court must consider the materiality of the evidence presented before making a ruling."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a world devoid of mental (and material) substances there is nothing to impart mentality (or materiality) to the given features of experience.

SEP

Some feminists rebut the utopian charge by finding in Irigaray's reflections on the element of air in the work of Heidegger a tangible example of materiality that transcends the limitations of embodiment without being any less material (Armour 2003).

SEP

The full slate of post positions and morning-line odds was revealed shortly after noon: No1 Mubtaahij (10-1), No2 Tale of Verve (15-1), No3 Madefromlucky (12-1), No4 Frammento (30-1), No5 American Pharoah (3-5), No6 Frosted (5-1), No7 Keen Ice (20-1), No8 Materiality (6-1).

The Guardian - Sport

"So much of my work is about making architecture do things that it really shouldn't do, making it perform in unexpected ways, and collapsing the materiality of it," says Mr Arsham.

The Economist

The Indians had "no concept of materiality", he says, and were mired in nit-picking.

The Economist

This is neither a democratic nor a romantic exhibition, but one of materiality and, particularly on the top floor, notoriety".Wedding Dresses" is at the V&A in London until March 2015.

The Economist

Using traditional, tactile materials including brass, copper, glass and wood, as well as India's diverse manufacturing capabilities, Ms Gopal has created a collection of utilitarian, domestic objects that offer a contemporary take on what she calls the "materiality of daily life in India".

The Economist

With his own experimental work, Muller added a significant argument for the materiality of the gene, pertaining to the third aspect of the gene as a unit of mutation.

SEP

For example, a special issue of Feminist Theory, edited by Susan Squier and Melissa Littlefield (2004) suggests that a closer examination of materiality, agency, and performance in feminist science studies could create a point of mutual interest for feminist theory and feminist science studies.

SEP

Their materiality is then just as real as their emptiness, and emptiness and matter are non-dualistic.

SEP

In The Maine Woods, Thoreau records a climb on Mount Ktaadn in Maine when he confronted the alien materiality of the world; and in Cape Cod (1865), he records the foreignness, not the friendliness, of nature: the shore is "a wild, rank place, and there is no flattery in it" (P, 577).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "materiality" to ground your argument in the tangible or measurable aspects of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "materiality" when simpler terms like "importance" or "relevance" suffice; reserve it for contexts where the physical or tangible nature of something is central to the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The term "materiality" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the quality or state of being material or significant. Ludwig's examples show its usage in philosophical, legal, and general contexts, highlighting its adaptability across diverse fields. According to Ludwig AI, the term is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "materiality" is a noun signifying the state of being material or significant, frequently used in formal, scientific, and legal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English, further stating it is typically found in law, accounting, and philosophy. The term's purpose is to emphasize the tangible or consequential aspects of a subject. While it's a common term, reserve it for situations where its specific meaning is relevant, and consider simpler alternatives like "importance" or "relevance" in less formal settings. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and The Economist are among the top authoritative sources using this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Corporeality

Similar to "materiality" but specifically emphasizes the bodily or physical aspect.

Physical existence

Focuses specifically on the aspect of having a tangible, physical form.

Tangible nature

Emphasizes the quality of being perceptible through touch or other senses.

Physical properties

Highlights the characteristics and attributes of a substance or object.

Substantiality

Refers to the quality of being real or having substance.

Significance

Emphasizes the importance and consequence of something.

Consequentiality

Focuses on the quality of having significant consequences or results.

Practical importance

Shifts the focus to the relevance and impact in a real-world context.

Relevance

Highlights the pertinence of something to a particular matter or situation.

Momentousness

Highlights the great importance or seriousness of an event or situation.

FAQs

How is "materiality" typically used in academic writing?

"Materiality" is often employed in academic writing to refer to the physical properties of an object, the tangible aspects of a concept, or the significance of something in a specific context. For example, when analyzing a historical artifact, researchers might discuss its "materiality" to understand its cultural and historical significance.

What are some alternatives to using "materiality" in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, depending on the nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "relevance", "significance", or "consequentiality". These terms capture the idea of something being important or having legal bearing.

Is "materiality" appropriate for informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "materiality" is generally too formal for informal conversations. Simpler terms like "importance" or "relevance" are usually more appropriate in casual settings.

What is the difference between "materiality" and "immateriality"?

"Materiality" refers to the quality of being material or having physical existence, or being of consequence. "Immateriality", on the other hand, refers to the state of not being material or not being relevant or significant.