metaphysic

noun

meta·​phys·​ic ˌme-tə-ˈfi-zik How to pronounce metaphysic (audio)
1
b
: a particular system of metaphysics
2
: the system of principles underlying a particular study or subject : philosophy sense 3b
metaphysic adjective

Examples of metaphysic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But a lot of these new metaphysics are being made up on prime time. Madeleine Kearns, National Review, 1 Oct. 2019 His supporters, though, tend to back him less for metaphysics than for rude practicality. Eric Lach, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2019 Of course, people may also be weak-willed about starting to read about metaphysics, epistemology and ethics. Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2019 Science cannot seek to prove or disprove the existence of God because science cannot use metaphysics or the supernatural for explanation. al, 8 Dec. 2019 Conversation spiralled, with users making arguments about Cartesian metaphysics and quoting Socrates. Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2019 And so, my technique with this book — as with the last one — is to try to go to everything from the metaphysics and the philosophy all the way through to the popular culture. Madeleine Kearns, National Review, 1 Oct. 2019 His theory is that art gets the metaphysics of space in a way that many who've been there cannot express. Thomas Page, CNN, 16 Sep. 2019 The series, which features recurring characters as well as stand-alone stories, plays fast and loose with metaphysics, laws of time and space, and conventional storytelling formats. Christopher Arnott, courant.com, 30 Aug. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'metaphysic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English metaphesyk, from Medieval Latin metaphysica

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of metaphysic was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near metaphysic

Cite this Entry

“Metaphysic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaphysic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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