materialismo

materialism

noun mah-teh-ryah-LEES-moh Rare

Origin: From Latin materialis + -ismus.

Usage Note

Materialismo covers both the philosophical doctrine that only matter exists and the everyday attitude of valuing possessions above all else. Spanish distinguishes materialismo dialéctico (Marxist dialectical materialism) from colloquial use meaning greed for things; the adjective is materialista, which also serves as a noun (un materialista).

Examples

"El materialismo moderno critica los valores consumistas."

Natural Translation

Modern materialism critiques consumerist values.

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