How to pronounce materialism
Say it like muh-TIR-ee-uh-liz-um. Materialism has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TIR).
- muh
- TIR
- ee
- uh
- liz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Materialism 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.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lizGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of materialism
American and British speakers say materialism in essentially the same way: /məˈtɪriəˌlɪzəm/ in the US and /məˈtɪəriəlɪzəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: muh-TEER-ree-uh-lih-zum.
What does materialism mean?
- Constant concern over material possessions and wealth; a great or excessive regard for worldly concerns.
- The philosophical belief that nothing exists beyond what is physical.
Where does materialism come from?
Borrowed from French matérialisme.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- hylism
- hylicism
- physicalism
- thingism
- philistinism
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with materialism
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of materialism.
Questions about saying materialism
How do you pronounce materialism?
Say muh-TIR-ee-uh-liz-um. The American pronunciation is /məˈtɪriəˌlɪzəm/. In British English it is /məˈtɪəriəlɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in materialism?
Materialism has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TIR). Broken into parts: muh · TIR · ee · uh · liz · um.
Do Americans and Brits say materialism the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /məˈtɪriəˌlɪzəm/ and the British form is /məˈtɪəriəlɪzəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.