material 通常指组成客观存在物的部分或其原料。
matter 通常指构成实物的物质，与精神相对立。在科学上，指占有空间，并能以某种方式被感官觉察的一切东西。
substance 多指某一种形式的物质，既可指元素也可指化合物。
stuff 多用于日常生活中，非正式用词。常指构成整体的所有部分、物体或项目。有时指劣等材料，含轻蔑意味。
参考例句
1. to stuff the cheque for ￡100 into one's pocket 把100镑的支票装进口袋
2. I wanna buy some cheap stuff. 我想买些便宜的毛织品。
3. Varnish is the stuff of legends. 清漆是一个传奇的东西。
英英解释
n.
1. the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
2. miscellaneous unspecified objects
3. informal terms for personal possessions
4. senseless talk
5. unspecified qualities required to do or be something
6. information in some unspecified form
7. a critically important or characteristic component v.
1. fill completely
2. press or force
3. obstruct
4. overeat or eat immodestly; make a pig of oneself
5. treat with grease, fill, and prepare for mounting
6. fill tightly with a material
7. fill with a stuffing while cooking
