material difference

[/məˈtɪriəl ˈdɪfərəns/]
nounpl: material differences
diferença material
1. A significant or substantial difference that has important consequences or legal/financial implications
There is a material difference between the two contract proposals that affects our liability.
Há uma diferença material entre as duas propostas de contrato que afeta nossa responsabilidade.
2. In law and business, a difference substantial enough to affect a decision or judgment
The court ruled that the omitted information constituted a material difference in the case.
O tribunal decidiu que a informação omitida constituía uma diferença material no caso.
3. A difference of consequence or importance, as opposed to a trivial or negligible one
There is no material difference in performance between the two versions of the software.
Não há diferença material de desempenho entre as duas versões do software.
This term is primarily used in formal, legal, and business contexts in both English-speaking countries and Brazil/Portugal. It is crucial in contract law, financial disclosures, and litigation, where determining whether a difference is 'material' can have significant legal and economic consequences. The concept of materiality is fundamental to Anglo-American and European legal systems.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
significant differencesubstantial differenceimportant differenceconsequential difference
Antonyms / Antônimos
immaterial differencetrivial differencenegligible differenceinsignificant difference

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
diferença material
Standard term used in legal and business contexts
São Paulo
diferença material
Common in corporate and financial discussions
Portugal
diferença material
Same terminology used in Portuguese legal and business settings
USA Legal
material difference
Frequently used in contracts, litigation, and securities law

Related Words

material factmaterial breachmaterial changemateriality

Related Idioms & Phrases

make a material difference
no material difference
spot the material difference
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