materialize
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /məˈtɪəriəlaɪz/
KK: /məˈtɪrɪəˌlaɪz/
intransitive verb
Definition
To come into existence or become visible, often unexpectedly.
Example
The plan to build a new park did not materialize as expected.
Tense Forms
Past: materialized
Past Participle: materialized
Conversation
Did you see that weird light in the sky last night?
Yeah, I did! It looked like something was about to materialize.
I was hoping it would turn out to be a spaceship or something cool.
That would be amazing! Too bad it just faded away.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
appear
emerge
surface
Antonyms
disappear
vanish
fade
transitive verb
Definition
To make something real or actual, often from an idea or dream.
Example
The team worked hard to materialize their vision for the new project.
Tense Forms
Past: materialized
Past Participle: materialized
Conversation
I really want to materialize my dream of traveling the world someday.
That sounds amazing! What places do you want to visit first?
I think I'd start with Japan; I've always wanted to see the cherry blossoms.
Root Explanation
Materialize → It is formed from "mater" (from Latin *materia*, meaning matter or substance) and "-alize" (meaning to make or become). The word "materialize" means to make something into matter or to become real or tangible.
Memory Tip
Think of 'matter' ('mater') being made real or tangible when something 'materializes'.
Visually Confused Words
rematerialize
immaterialize
dematerialize
arterialize
martialize
lateralize
paternalize
memorialize