French word

matérialiser

Pronunciation

IPA/mateʁjalize/

Meaning

  • verbgive concrete form to

Example

Elle matérialise ses projets en dessins.

She gives her projects concrete form through drawings.

Illustration for matérialiser (give concrete form to)

More examples

Le budget a permis de matérialiser le projet.

The budget made it possible to bring the project to fruition.

Core concept

An abstract idea taking a concrete, visible form.

Common phrases

  • matérialiser ses projets

    bring one's plans to fruition

  • matérialiser une idée

    turn an idea into reality

Similar words

concrétiser: To turn an abstract idea or plan into a concrete form or result.
réaliser: To carry out a plan or intention so that it becomes a reality.

Definition in French

Rendre tangible ou perceptible par des moyens matériels une idée, un projet ou une représentation abstraite.

Word origin

French matérialiser combines matériel, from Latin materialis, with -iser to express making something material or concrete.

Usage tips

  • Matérialiser takes a direct object when an agent gives an idea a concrete form, while se matérialiser describes that idea becoming concrete without one.

Other meanings

  • make realverb

Opposites

  • dématérialiserdematerializeverb

Related words

  • matérialisationmaterializationnoun
  • matérialisématerializedadjective

Word lists with this word