metaphysics

noun

meta·​phys·​ics ˌme-tə-ˈfi-ziks How to pronounce metaphysics (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
1
a(1)
: a division of philosophy that is concerned with the fundamental nature of reality and being and that includes ontology, cosmology, and often epistemology
metaphysics … analyzes the generic traits manifested by existences of any kindJ. H. Randall
b
: abstract philosophical studies : a study of what is outside objective experience
steered philosophy away from metaphysics and toward the disciplines of natural science and linguisticsTime
2

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Just as physics deals with the laws that govern the physical world (such as those of gravity or the properties of waves), metaphysics describes what is beyond physics—the nature and origin of reality itself, the immortal soul, and the existence of a supreme being. Opinions about these metaphysical topics vary widely, since what's being discussed can't be observed or measured or even truly known to exist. So most metaphysical questions are still as far from a final answer as they were when Plato and Aristotle were asking them.

Examples of metaphysics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The 1964 discovery of evidence supporting the big bang theory immediately elevated cosmology from metaphysics to hard science. Richard Panek, Scientific American, 14 Nov. 2023 Power couples can sell anything under the sun—deodorant, whiskey, watches, sneakers—but on a good day the best ones will also bring metaphysics to the marketplace, retailing the ideas that no two people are merely themselves and that mega-marriages are made in the groves of Heaven. Andrew O’Hagan, The New Yorker, 27 Nov. 2023 According to the metaphysics of Taylor Swift, the past is entirely changeable. Chris Richards, Washington Post, 10 July 2023 Hall founded the Philosophical Research Society in 1934 to promote the study of philosophy, comparative religion, mysticism and metaphysics in Los Angeles and beyond. Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2023 His first role at the University of Naples was to lecture on logic and metaphysics. Alessio Perrone, Scientific American, 16 Aug. 2023 Ninth House The ninth house is the philosophical house, ruling over religion, metaphysics, and higher education. Narayana Montúfar, Women's Health, 14 Aug. 2023 But Nolan misses the deeper metaphysics undergirding the drama. WIRED, 24 July 2023 Like Wolfe, who shaped the metaphysics of Book of the New Sun around his own Catholic views, Palmer would incorporate her own hodgepodge of theological and intellectual influences—a divine plan shaped by a historian's view of how society actually progresses. Gregory Barber, Wired, 10 Feb. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'metaphysics.' 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

Medieval Latin Metaphysica, title of Aristotle's treatise on the subject, from Greek (ta) meta (ta) physika, literally, the (works) after the physical (works); from its position in his collected works

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of metaphysics was in 1569

Dictionary Entries Near metaphysics

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

metaphysics

noun
meta·​phys·​ics ˌmet-ə-ˈfiz-iks How to pronounce metaphysics (audio)
: the part of philosophy concerned with the ultimate causes and basic nature of things
Etymology

from Latin Metaphysica, title given to a work by Aristotle on the subject, from Greek (ta) meta (ta) physika, literally, "the (works) after the physical (works)"; so called because this section came after the section on physics and physical nature in a collection of Aristotle's collected writings

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