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v. ma·te·ri·al·ized, ma·te·ri·al·iz·ing, ma·te·ri·al·iz·es v.intr. 1. To come into existence; become real: Their support on the eastern flank did not materialize. 2. To appear, especially suddenly: "As they plunged down the highway, hazy purple mountains materialized" (Tom Bissell). See Synonyms at appear. 3. To take physical form or shape. Used especially of a spirit or ghost. v.tr. 1. To cause to become real or actual: By building the house, we materialized a dream. 2. To cause to become materialistic: "Inequality has the natural and necessary effect ... of materializing our upper class, vulgarizing our middle class, and brutalizing our lower class" (Matthew Arnold). ma·te′ri·al·i·zation (-ə-lĭ-zāshən) n. |
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