How to pronounce material
Say it like muh-TIR-ee-ul. Material has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TIR).
- muh
- TIR
- ee
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Material pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- muhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of material
- American English uses 4 syllables and British English 3.
British respelling: muh-TEER-reerl.
What does material mean?
- Of, relating to, or consisting of matter, especially physical.“This compound has a number of interesting material properties.”
- Of, relating to, or affecting physical well-being; corporeal; bodily.“material needs”
- Of or relating to the matter of reasoning, as distinguished from the form of it, especially empirical.“material cause”
- A basic matter (as metal, wood, plastic, fiber, etc.) from which the whole or the greater part of something physical (as a machine, tool, building, fabric, etc.) is made.“Asphalt, composed of oil and sand, is a widely used material for roads.”
- A person, or people collectively, who are qualified or suited for a certain position or activity.“boy/girlfriend material”
- Apparatus for doing or making something.
Where does material come from?
From Middle English material, from Late Latin māteriālis, from Latin māteria (“wood, material, substance”), from māter (“mother”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with material
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of material.
Questions about saying material
How do you pronounce material?
Say muh-TIR-ee-ul. The American pronunciation is /məˈtɪriəl/. In British English it is /məˈtɪərɪəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in material?
Material has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TIR). Broken into parts: muh · TIR · ee · ul.
Is material pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 4 syllables and British English 3. The British form is /məˈtɪərɪəl/ (muh-TEER-reerl).