Materialism, as philosophy, has two major positions. The first position states that physical matter is the only reality. Materialism rejects any conclusion that relies on the existence of supernatural or non-physical reality. The second major position states that everything can be explained through physical means, including such seemingly unphysical phenomena such as thought, emotions, and will.
In the common vernacular, materialism refers to a concern with physical things, whether they be possessions, people, or places.
The word has taken on a negative connotation, often being associated with greed and with elevating things to a position of greater importance than people.