Master confusing words with ease
Material vs. Materiel
Material
/məˈtɪriəl/Examples:
I rented it and moved in with my instruments and materials.It gives material for very instructive conclusions."To supply the missing background, editors usually bound in explanatory material.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
This word has no antonymsMateriel
/məˌtɪərɪˈɛl/Examples:
The regiment received new materiel ahead of the maneuver.Government contracts ensure constant supply of military materiel.The company's profits soared due to increased materiel demand.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Material with an a generally refers to physical substances or cloths, whereas materiel with an e refers to military supplies.
- To differentiate, think of material as the stuff or substance youre touching and materiel' as the equipment soldiers need.
- Remember materiel has an extra e, and so does equipment — both are about resources or items used for specific purposes, often military.
- Consider that material is the more commonly used word in everyday language, appearing outside of military context.
- Visualize materiel in a military depot, full of gear and supplies.
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