material mode

noun

1. philosophy the normal use of language that refers to extra-linguistic subjects without explicit mention of the words themselves. Fido is a dog is in the material mode, while "Fido" is a dog's name is in the formal mode See also use

Example Sentences

The basis of this doctrine was a particular material mode of accumulating capital, in ascendancy since the early nineteenth century: the generation of profit through extraction and combustion of fossil fuels.

From Salon

Another and different kind of cosmical, or, rather, material mode of contact is, however, opened to us, if we admit falling stars and meteoric stones to be planetary asteroids.

From Project Gutenberg

The material mode of our life is splendidly provided for.

From Project Gutenberg