OpenSynonym

Babbitt

/ˈbæbɪt/

NOUN

1. A person with conventional materialistic middle-class values

A person who is complacently attached to conventional middle-class values, material possessions, financial success, and social status, often with limited intellectual curiosity or originality.

1.1. Materialism and social conformity

Used, often critically or disparagingly, to describe someone who prioritizes material possessions, wealth, social standing, and conventional middle-class ideals over intellectual independence or deeper values.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The novel portrays him as a typical Babbitt who values wealth and social status above intellectual growth.
  • She criticized the town's Babbitt mentality for discouraging independent thought.
  • His obsession with possessions and prestige made him seem like a Babbitt.

Related Words

  • materialism
  • conformity
  • consumerism
  • bourgeoisie
  • middle class
  • social status
  • wealth
  • conventionality
  • respectability
  • commercialism
  • status seeking
  • social ambition

1.2. A contemptible or objectionable person

Used as a derogatory characterization of a person regarded as unpleasant, boorish, dishonest, foolish, or morally objectionable. These associations overlap with the source's listed thesaurus alternatives but are not exact synonyms for the materialistic social stereotype.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The narrator describes the character as a Babbitt whose narrow outlook reflects his social environment.
  • His critics regarded him as a shallow and conventional man who cared more about appearances than principles.

Related Words

NOUN

2. A soft bearing alloy used to reduce friction

A soft white alloy, traditionally based on tin and containing varying proportions of other metals such as copper and antimony, used as a lining for bearings to reduce friction and wear.

2.1. Engineering and bearing materials

Used in mechanical engineering and metalworking to refer to Babbitt metal, an antifriction alloy applied to bearing surfaces in machinery.

Synonyms

  • Babbitt metal
  • bearing alloy
  • antifriction alloy

Examples

  • The mechanic replaced the worn Babbitt lining in the engine bearing.
  • Traditional Babbitt metal was used to provide a low-friction surface for rotating shafts.
  • The engineer examined the alloy composition before repairing the bearing.

Related Words

VERB

3. To line an object with Babbitt metal

To apply or line a surface, particularly a bearing, with Babbitt metal to reduce friction and wear.

3.1. Mechanical repair and manufacturing

Used in engineering and industrial maintenance to describe the process of applying Babbitt metal to the interior surface of a bearing or another component.

Synonyms

  • line with Babbitt metal
  • apply Babbitt metal
  • reline with bearing alloy

Examples

  • The workshop will babbitt the bearing before reinstalling the shaft.
  • The technician babbitted the worn component to restore its bearing surface.
  • The repair procedure requires the machinist to apply molten Babbitt metal to the bearing housing.

Related Words