Socratic

1 of 2

adjective

So·​crat·​ic sə-ˈkra-tik 

sō-

: of or relating to Socrates, his followers, or his philosophical method of systematic doubt and questioning of another to elicit a clear expression of a truth supposed to be knowable by all rational beings

Socratically

sə-ˈkra-ti-k(ə-)lē 

sō-

adverb

Socratic

2 of 2

noun

: a follower of Socrates

Did you know?

Socrates lived and taught in Athens in the 5th century B.C., but left no writings behind, so all we know of him comes through the works of his disciple Plato, almost all of which claim to be accounts of Socrates' conversations with others. Today Socrates is best remembered for his method of teaching by asking increasingly difficult questions, the so-called Socratic method. This generally involves the use of Socratic induction, a way of gradually arriving at generalizations through a process of questions and answers, and Socratic irony, in which the teacher pretends ignorance while questioning his students skillfully to make them aware of their errors in understanding.

Examples of Socratic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Jack turned the evening into a live Socratic dialogue on the nature of love. —Elizabeth Bobrick, New York Times, 4 May 2024

Kids filtered in and out of classrooms, with eight-year-olds sitting in the same room and discussing Socratic theory alongside 15-year-olds. —Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2024

Noun

But while the Socratic Method was likely Socrates’ most enduring contribution to society, there’s much more to learn about this legendary figure: For many, he's viewed as the founder of Western philosophy itself — and the most exemplary of all the Greek philosophers. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 7 Sep. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1678, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Socratic

• pre-Socratic
• Socratic irony

Kids Definition

Socratic

adjective

So·​crat·​ic

sə-ˈkrat-ik, sō-

: of or relating to the Greek philosopher Socrates, his followers, or his philosophical method of systematic doubt and questioning of another to elicit a clear expression of a truth supposed to be knowable by all rational beings