philosophical

Also phil·o·soph·ic

[fil-uh-sof-i-kuhl]

adjective

1. of or relating to philosophy.

   philosophical studies.

2. versed in or occupied with philosophy.

3. proper to or befitting a philosopher.

4. rationally or sensibly calm, patient, or composed.

5. Rare.,  of or relating to natural philosophy or physical science.

philosophical

/ ˌfɪləˈsɒfɪkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to philosophy or philosophers

2. reasonable, wise, or learned

3. calm and stoical, esp in the face of difficulties or disappointments

4. (formerly) of or relating to science or natural philosophy

Other Word Forms

• philosophically adverb
• philosophicalness noun
• antiphilosophic adjective
• antiphilosophical adjective
• antiphilosophically adverb
• nonphilosophic adjective
• nonphilosophical adjective
• nonphilosophically adverb
• pseudophilosophical adjective
• quasi-philosophical adjective
• quasi-philosophically adverb
• semiphilosophic adjective
• semiphilosophical adjective
• semiphilosophically adverb
• unphilosophic adjective
• unphilosophical adjective
• unphilosophically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of philosophical¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English: “learned; pertaining to alchemy,” from Latin philosophic(us) (from Greek philosophikós; philosopher, -ic ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The machine was included in Christie's auction of the library of the late Catalonia collector Léon Parcé, which also featured Pascal's philosophical piece Pensées and the first printed version of "Pascal's wager".

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The family argued that their rights, which requires the State providing education to "respect the right of parents to ensure such education is in conformity with their own religious and philosophical convictions", had been contravened.

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“Or perhaps she would say something philosophical, like ‘A watched clock never chimes,’ and fix herself a cup of tea.”

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The philosopher’s task is therefore not to solve philosophical problems but to dissolve them, showing why the questions they pose are illegitimate.

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The head of a party, its presidential candidate, should, in a book, be able to explain her own philosophical beginning points.

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Related Words

• abstract 
• logical 
• metaphysical 
• profound 
• rational 
• thoughtful