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. Raw Material cost control. 原材料价格控制；
2. What material is it? 是什么料子做的？
3. Manage the material in the manufacturing area. 管理生产区域的工具和设备。
英英解释
n.
1. the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
2. information (data or ideas or observations) that can be used or reworked into a finished form
3. things needed for doing or making something
4. artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers
5. a person judged suitable for admission or employment adj.
1. concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests
2. derived from or composed of matter
3. directly relevant to a matter especially a law case
4. concerned with or affecting physical as distinct from intellectual or psychological well-being
5. having material or physical form or substance
6. having substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary
