theosophy

[ thee-os-uh-fee ]

/ θiˈɒs ə fi /

noun

any of various forms of philosophical or religious thought based on a mystical insight into the divine nature.

(often initial capital letters) the system of belief and practice of the Theosophical Society.

Nearby words

theory-laden, theos., theosophical, theosophical society, theosophically, theosophy, theotocopoulos, theotokos, thera, theralite, therapeutic

Origin of theosophy

1640–50; < Medieval Latin theosophia < Late Greek theosophía. See theo-, -sophy

Related forms

the·o·soph·i·cal

[thee-uh-sof-i-kuh l] /ˌθi əˈsɒf ɪ kəl/, the·o·soph·ic, adjectivethe·o·soph·i·cal·ly, adverbthe·os·o·phism, nounthe·os·o·phist, noun

non·the·o·soph·ic, adjectivenon·the·o·soph·i·cal, adjectivenon·the·o·soph·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for theosophy

I want to put before you clearly and plainly what Theosophy means, and what is the function of the Theosophical Society.
London Lectures of 1907|Annie Besant
This re-proclamation, then, of the most ancient of all truths, was the message of Theosophy to the modern world.
London Lectures of 1907|Annie Besant
Failing him, the representative of God is he who is complete in theosophy without possessing any philosophy at all.
Mystics and Saints of Islam|Claud Field
"I'd like to have you explain that theosophy stuff on the basis of the subconscious mind, Chris," Uncle Robert challenged.
Moon-Face and Other Stories|Jack London

For Theosophy should be your touch-stone as to the value of every scheme, as to the tendency of every proposition.
London Lectures of 1907|Annie Besant

British Dictionary definitions for theosophy

theosophy

/ (θɪˈɒsəfɪ) /

noun

any of various religious or philosophical systems claiming to be based on or to express an intuitive insight into the divine nature

the system of beliefs of the Theosophical Society founded in 1875, claiming to be derived from the sacred writings of Brahmanism and Buddhism, but denying the existence of any personal God

Derived Formstheosophical (ˌθɪəˈsɒfɪkəl), adjectivetheosophically, adverbtheosophism, nountheosophist, noun

Word Origin for theosophy

C17: from Medieval Latin theosophia, from Late Greek; see theo-, -sophy

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for theosophy

theosophy

1640s (implied in theosophical), "knowledge about God and nature obtained through mystical study," from Medieval Latin theosophia (c.880), from Late Greek theosophia (c.500, Pseudo-Dionysus) "wisdom concerning God or things divine," from Greek theosophos "one wise about God," from theos "god" (see Thea) + sophos "wise, learned" (see sophist). Taken as the name of a modern philosophical system (sometimes called Esoteric Buddhism), founded in New York 1875 as "Theosophical Society" by Madame Blavatsky and others, which combines teachings of Hinduism and Buddhism.