Immaterial vs. Material — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 7, 2024
Immaterial refers to something intangible or irrelevant, not consisting of physical matter, whereas material pertains to physical substances or is significant and relevant.
Difference Between Immaterial and Material
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Immaterial is often used to describe things that cannot be physically touched or are of no importance in a specific context, such as thoughts, feelings, or abstract concepts. On the other hand, material can refer to physical objects or substances, as well as to information or issues that are of substantial relevance or importance.
When discussing philosophical concepts, immaterial elements are considered part of the spiritual or intellectual realm, whereas material elements are linked to the physical and observable world.
In legal or practical contexts, immaterial facts or details are those that do not affect the outcome or decision-making process, while material facts are crucial and can influence conclusions or judgments.
The distinction highlights the different roles these concepts play in various fields, emphasizing the physical versus the metaphysical, and the essential versus the non-essential.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Intangible, not physical
Tangible, physical
ADVERTISEMENT
Importance
Irrelevant or of no consequence
Significant, of high relevance
Usage Context
Philosophical, emotional, abstract
Physical, practical, substantial
Example in Law
Facts not affecting a legal outcome
Facts crucial to determining outcomes
Philosophical Use
Pertaining to spiritual or mental realm
Related to the physical world
Compare with Definitions
Immaterial
Used to describe abstract concepts.
Freedom is an immaterial concept that is valued differently across cultures.
Material
Pertaining to economic or physical assets.
The company's material assets were thoroughly assessed during the audit.
Immaterial
Of no relevance or importance.
The typo was immaterial to the overall understanding of the document.
Material
Relating to physical substance.
The bridge was constructed with various durable materials.
Immaterial
Often used in discussions about values or ethics.
Integrity is an immaterial quality that defines one's character.
Material
Often used in discussions about tangible or measurable aspects.
Environmental scientists measure material changes in the ecosystem.
Immaterial
Not consisting of matter, intangible.
Love is an immaterial feeling that can't be quantified.
Material
Of great importance or consequence.
The witness's testimony was material to the trial's outcome.
Immaterial
Philosophically, pertaining to non-physical substances.
Many philosophers debate the influence of immaterial forces on human behavior.
Material
Used to describe significant data or facts.
Only material information was included in the report to streamline the decision-making process.
Immaterial
(often followed by `to') lacking importance; not mattering one way or the other;
Whether you choose to do it or not is a matter that is quite immaterial (or indifferent)
What others think is altogether indifferent to him
Material
(Philosophy) Of or relating to the matter of reasoning, rather than the form.
Immaterial
Of no importance or relevance; inconsequential or irrelevant.
Material
Having to do with matter; consisting of matter.
This compound has a number of interesting material properties.
Immaterial
Having no material body or form.
Material
A material is a substance or mixture of substances that constitutes an object. Materials can be pure or impure, living or non-living matter.
Immaterial
Having no matter or substance.
Because ghosts are immaterial, they can pass through walls.
Material
The substance or substances out of which a thing is or can be made.
Immaterial
(figurative) So insubstantial as to be irrelevant.
Objection, Your Honour! The defendant's criminal record is immaterial to this case.
Material
Something, such as an idea or information, that is to be refined and made or incorporated into a finished effort
Material for a comedy.
Immaterial
Not consisting of matter; incorporeal; spiritual; disembodied.
Angels are spirits immaterial and intellectual.
Material
Materials Tools or apparatus for the performance of a given task
Writing materials.
Immaterial
Of no substantial consequence; without weight or significance; unimportant; as, it is wholly immaterial whether he does so or not.
Material
Yard goods or cloth.
Immaterial
Of no importance or relevance especially to a law case;
An objection that is immaterial after the fact
Material
A person who is qualified or suited for a position or activity
The members of the board felt that she was vice-presidential material.
Immaterial
Without material form or substance;
An incorporeal spirit
Material
Of, relating to, or composed of matter.
Immaterial
Not consisting of matter;
Immaterial apparitions
Ghosts and other immaterial entities
Material
Of, relating to, or affecting physical well-being; bodily
"the moral and material welfare of all good citizens" (Theodore Roosevelt).
Immaterial
Not pertinent to the matter under consideration;
An issue extraneous to the debate
The price was immaterial
Mentioned several impertinent facts before finally coming to the point
Material
Of or concerned with the physical as distinct from the intellectual or spiritual
"Great men are they who see that spiritual is stronger than any material force, that thoughts rule the world" (Ralph Waldo Emerson).
Material
Being both relevant and consequential; crucial
Testimony material to the inquiry.
Material
Worldly, as opposed to spiritual.
Don't let material concerns get in the way of living a happy life.
Material
Significant.
You've made several material contributions to this project.
This is the most material fact in this lawsuit.
Material
Matter which may be shaped or manipulated, particularly in making something.
Asphalt, composed of oil and sand, is a widely used material for roads.
Material
Text written for a specific purpose.
We were a warm-up act at the time; we didn't have enough original material to headline.
Material
A sample or specimens for study.
Material
Cloth to be made into a garment. Fabric.
You'll need about a yard of material to make this.
Material
A person, or people collectively, who are qualified for a certain position or activity.
Boy/girlfriend material
Marriage material
We have lots of presidential material in various public offices.
Material
Related data of various kinds, especially if collected as the basis for a document or book.
Material
The substance that something is made or composed of.
Material
(chess) All of a player's pieces and pawns on the chessboard.
Material
To form from matter; to materialize.
Material
Consisting of matter; not spiritual; corporeal; physical; as, material substance or bodies.
The material elements of the universe.
Material
Pertaining to, or affecting, the physical nature of man, as distinguished from the mental or moral nature; relating to the bodily wants, interests, and comforts; as, material well-being; material comforts.
Material
Of solid or weighty character; not insubstantial; of consequence; not be dispensed with; important; significant.
Discourse, which was always material, never trifling.
I shall, in the account of simple ideas, set down only such as are most material to our present purpose.
Material
Pertaining to the matter, as opposed to the form, of a thing. See Matter.
Material
The substance or matter of which anything is made or may be made.
Material
To form from matter; to materialize.
Material
The tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object;
Coal is a hard black material
Wheat is the stuff they use to make bread
Material
Information (data or ideas or observations) that can be used or reworked into a finished form;
The archives provided rich material for a definitive biography
Material
Things needed for doing or making something;
Writing materials
Useful teaching materials
Material
Artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers;
The fabric in the curtains was light and semitraqnsparent
Woven cloth originated in Mesopotamia around 5000 BC
She measured off enough material for a dress
Material
A person judged suitable for admission or employment;
He was university material
She was vice-presidential material
Material
Concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests;
Material possessions
Material wealth
Material comforts
Material
Derived from or composed of matter;
The material universe
Material
Directly relevant to a matter especially a law case;
His support made a material difference
Evidence material to the issue at hand
Facts likely to influence the judgment are called material facts
A material witness
Material
Concerned with or affecting physical as distinct from intellectual or psychological well-being;
Material needs
The moral and material welfare of all good citizens
Material
Having material or physical form or substance;
That which is created is of necessity corporeal and visible and tangible
Material
Having substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary;
The substantial world
A mere dream, neither substantial nor practical
Most ponderous and substantial things
Common Curiosities
Can information be immaterial?
Yes, information can be considered immaterial if it does not impact or alter the outcome of a situation.
How does material wealth differ from immaterial wealth?
Material wealth consists of physical, tangible assets, whereas immaterial wealth might include intellectual property or skills.
What does immaterial mean in a philosophical context?
In philosophy, immaterial refers to elements that are not physical, such as the soul or consciousness.
What are material goods?
Material goods are physical items or products that can be seen, touched, and used.
How do material conditions affect lifestyle?
Material conditions, such as wealth and resources, directly influence one's lifestyle, comfort, and opportunities.
What makes a fact material in legal terms?
A fact is considered material if it significantly impacts the outcome of a legal case.
Is happiness material or immaterial?
Happiness is immaterial as it cannot be physically measured or touched, residing in the emotional realm.
Can something be both material and immaterial?
Certain concepts or entities might have both material and immaterial aspects, like a religious text that is a physical book but carries immaterial spiritual significance.
Why is the distinction between immaterial and material important?
Understanding this distinction helps in evaluating what factors are significant or necessary in various contexts, from legal to personal.
Is art considered material or immaterial?
Art often encompasses both aspects; the artwork is material, while its aesthetic and emotional impact is immaterial.
What are examples of immaterial contributions in the workplace?
Immaterial contributions might include morale, team spirit, or corporate culture, which, while intangible, significantly impact the workplace environment.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Honorarium vs. Stipend
Next Comparison
Reconstruct vs. ReviseAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
