1. people who believe that physical matter is the only reality and that mental states and consciousness can be explained in terms of physical processes
Usage: philosophy
2. people who are markedly concerned with material possessions and wealth rather than spiritual or intellectual values

Examples

• The materialists argued that consciousness emerges from brain activity.
• Ancient Greek materialists like Democritus believed everything was made of atoms.
• Critics called them materialists who cared only about money and status.
• The materialists in the group always wanted the most expensive restaurants.
• Philosophical materialists reject the idea of a separate mind or soul.
• She accused her wealthy neighbors of being shallow materialists.