materially

UK: məˈtɪəriəli | US: məˈtɪriəli

Definition
  1. adv. in a significant or measurable way

  2. adv. with regard to physical substance or matter

  3. adv. (law) to a degree that affects legal rights or obligations

Structure
material <physical substance>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

The word "materially" derives from the Latin "materia" (meaning "matter" or "substance"), which entered Old French as "matériel" and later Middle English as "material." The suffix "-ly" is a productive adverbial suffix in English, originating from Old English "-līce." Combined, "materially" originally meant "in a manner pertaining to matter" and later expanded to signify "significantly" or "substantially," reflecting the tangible impact of physical substance.

Examples
  1. The new evidence materially altered the outcome of the trial.

  2. Their financial situation has not improved materially in the past year.

  3. The two proposals differ materially in their approach to sustainability.

  4. The contract was materially breached when payment was delayed.

  5. Climate change has materially affected agricultural productivity.