material approach

[məˈtɪriəl əˈproʊtʃ]
noun phrasepl: material approaches
abordagem material
1. A method or strategy that focuses on physical objects, tangible resources, or concrete evidence rather than abstract concepts or theoretical frameworks
The archaeologist took a material approach to understanding ancient civilizations by examining artifacts and tools.
O arqueólogo adotou uma abordagem material para compreender civilizações antigas examinando artefatos e ferramentas.
2. In philosophy and social sciences, an analytical perspective that prioritizes physical conditions, economic factors, and material circumstances as primary drivers of social phenomena
Marx's material approach to history emphasizes economic conditions over ideological factors.
A abordagem material da história de Marx enfatiza as condições econômicas acima dos fatores ideológicos.
3. A practical, hands-on methodology that deals with physical substances, materials, or tangible elements in research or problem-solving
Engineers adopted a material approach to the structural problem, testing physical samples in the laboratory.
Os engenheiros adotaram uma abordagem material para o problema estrutural, testando amostras físicas no laboratório.
In both Brazilian and American academic contexts, 'material approach' is commonly used in humanities, social sciences, and archaeology. In Brazil, this term is particularly prevalent in Marxist-influenced academic circles and material culture studies. The concept reflects a shift from purely theoretical analysis to evidence-based, tangible investigation.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
tangible approachconcrete approachpractical approachempirical approachphysical approach
Antonyms / Antônimos
abstract approachtheoretical approachideological approachconceptual approachspiritual approach

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
abordagem material
Standard term used in academic and professional contexts
São Paulo
abordagem material / enfoque material
Both terms widely used in business and academic settings
Rio de Janeiro
abordagem material
Common in university and research contexts
Portugal
abordagem material / perspectiva material
Both terms acceptable; sometimes 'perspectiva' preferred in European Portuguese

Related Words

materialismmaterial culturematerial evidenceempiricismphysicalitytangibility

Related Idioms & Phrases

get down to brass tacks (similar practical approach)
take a hands-on approach
focus on the bottom line
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →