Page 164 - WEBSTER Essential vocabulary

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M – N: SAT Words
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materialism (muh TIR ee uhl i zm) n. 1. the philosophical doctrine that every-
thing in the world is matter, and even thought, will, and feeling can be connected
to matter (the opposite of idealism); 2. the notion that possessions, wealth, and
comfort are the most important things in the world; 3. the tendency to be more
concerned with material things than with the intellectual or spiritual
• The philosophy of materialism enjoyed some popularity in the nineteenth
century.
• The idea of materialism permeates some of the work of pop singer
Madonna—especially in her song “Material Girl.”
• When a person pursues someone of the opposite sex because of the latter’s
wealth, that is a display of materialism.
[materialistic adj., materialistically adv.]
mathematical (MATH i MAT i kl) adj. 1. of, concerned with, or about mathe-
matics; 2. precise; rigorously exact
We all need some sort of mathematical education.
A high-quality diamond must be cut with mathematical precision.
maverick (MAV rik) n. 1. a stray calf; any unbranded livestock; 2. a person who
takes an independent stand or a position different from that of the rest of his group
• One of the jobs of a cowboy on a drive is rounding up mavericks.
•A maverick politician often votes against the official position of his party’s
leadership.
maxim (MAX im) n. a concisely worded statement of truth or rule of conduct
• “A stitch in time saves nine” is a well-known maxim.
• “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” is a maxim we
should all live by.
[Syn. saying]
meaning (MEE ning) n. significance; import; what is intended to be conveyed,
signified, or indicated —adj. 1. intending; having purpose; 2. significance
• Only time will tell us the meaning of today’s world events.
• Sally was meaning to tell Harry how much she cared.
• Barbara’s locket’s meaning was a reminder of her mother.
[-ly adv.]
means (MEENZ) n. 1. the way in which something is done; agency; 2. available
wealth; resources; 3. great wealth
• He had the means to get over the top of the fence.
• Margie had the means to buy the very best silver.
• The CEO of the software company is a woman of great means.