theosophy

American  

[thee-os-uh-fee] / θiˈɒs ə fi /

noun

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

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

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theosophy British  

/ ˌθɪəˈsɒfɪkəl, θɪˈɒsəfɪ /

noun

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

2. 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

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Other Word Forms

• nontheosophic adjective
• nontheosophical adjective
• nontheosophically adverb
• theosophic adjective
• theosophical adjective
• theosophically adverb
• theosophism noun
• theosophist noun

Etymology

Origin of theosophy

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

Explanation

Theosophy is a mystical way of thinking about the world. A belief in and direct knowledge of God is very important in theosophy. The noun theosophy is often used to refer to a specific group, the Theosophical Society, which was formed in the late 1800s and had the motto, "There is no Religion higher than the Truth." The word itself is rooted in the Greek theosophos, "one who is wise about God," from theos, "God," and sophos, "wise or learned."

Example Sentences

It isn’t necessary to be deeply informed in the spiritual intricacies of theosophy or other early 20th century occult systems to be absorbed into the pleasures of transcendental painting.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2023

He was drawn to theosophy and Eastern philosophy.

From Washington Post • Jan. 15, 2020

As well as a historical centre for theosophy, spiritualism and alternative medicine, the town is home to a Buddhist monastery and the Dalai Lama’s unofficial home in North America.

From The Guardian • Nov. 20, 2018

Eventually he moved to Munich with Marianne von Werefkin, another artistic expat from the nobility, vacationed with Kandinsky, bought a van Gogh and studied Buddhism, yoga and theosophy.

From New York Times • Mar. 9, 2017

Adam’s mother ran the farm, bore Adam, and still had time to embrace a primitive theosophy.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck