noun
materiality
The quality of having physical substance.
The rough clay emphasizes the materiality of the sculpture.
Etymology
Material means composed of or concerned with matter. The state-forming ending names the quality of possessing actual physical substance.
More examples
- The book's weight and texture draw attention to its materiality.
- The philosopher questions the materiality of the soul.
- She explores the materiality of paint through thick layers.
Forms
materiality
material adjective — Having physical substance rather than abstract existence.
Similar words
- tangibility
- Emphasizes being perceptible by touch rather than merely physically existing.
- corporeality
- Emphasizes bodily existence or form, especially in contrast with spirit.