immaterial

Everyday

1. Immaterial means not important or not relevant to what is being talked about. tree →
2. (formal) Immaterial also means not made of matter, with no physical body, like a spirit. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and in arguments, «that's immaterial» means «that doesn't matter here». In maths problems, some numbers are immaterial: they are given but you don't need them. In law, immaterial facts don't change the result. In religion and philosophy, the soul is described as immaterial.

Examples

• Whether the car is red or blue is immaterial; it needs fixing. tree →
• The cost is immaterial if it saves a life. tree →
• In this problem, the colour of the bags is immaterial. tree →
• Christians believe the soul is immaterial. tree →
• Whether he meant to break it is immaterial; it is broken. tree →
• Ghosts in stories are often immaterial and walk through walls. tree →
• "If you really can cure, it is immaterial when you do it. tree →

Note

Formal; everyday words are «not important» or «doesn't matter». «Im-» means not. Opposite: material (meaning relevant or physical).

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: The translator notes that others have turned the "Holy Wind" into an immaterial "Spirit". He says the word really means a wind. In the primary lessons: In everyday life and in arguments, «that's immaterial» means «that doesn't matter here». In maths problems, some numbers are immaterial: they are given but you don't need them. In law, immaterial facts don't change the result. In religion and philosophy, the soul is described as immaterial.

Examples

• Nonetheless, English translators have usually shied away from the this-worldly symbolism of the ‘Holy Wind’, much preferring immaterial ‘Spirit’ either out of theological embarrassment or deference to tradition. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• Perhaps capturing an intermediary concept between the immaterial divine imminence and the material wind is ‘wisp’, meaning both a small breeze and a phantom presence, but ‘Holy Wisp’ is a rather underwhelming expression. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Formal; everyday words are «not important» or «doesn't matter». «Im-» means not. Opposite: material (meaning relevant or physical).