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. This black substance is carbon. 这种黑色的物质是碳。
2. How do you know if a substance contains acids? 你怎么知道一种物质是否含有酸呢?
3. Dandruff is an oily substance and is usually grey or yellow. 头皮屑是一种油性物质,通常是灰色或黄色的。
英英解释
n.
1. that which has mass and occupies space
2. the stuff of which an object consists
3. the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
4. the idea that is intended
5. considerable capital (wealth or income)
6. what a communication that is about something is about