philosophical

adjective

phil·​o·​soph·​i·​cal ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fi-kəl 

 also  -ˈzä-

variants or less commonly philosophic

ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fik 

 also  -ˈzä-

1

a

: of or relating to philosophers or philosophy

b

: based on philosophy

2

: characterized by the attitude of a philosopher

specifically : calm or unflinching in the face of trouble, defeat, or loss

philosophically

ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fi-k(ə-)lē 

 also  -ˈzä-

adverb

Examples of philosophical in a Sentence

They got into a philosophical debate about what it means for something to be “natural.”

He's trying to be philosophical about their decision since he knows he can't change it.

Recent Examples on the Web

But lawmakers say what caught their attention was more of a philosophical difference. —Calmatters, Mercury News, 13 July 2025

Bohemian does not begin to describe the brothers, one of whom has a picture of the Dalai Lama in their kitchen, or the film, which is narrated by a philosophical bull called Nandy. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 12 July 2025

Intense philosophical questions surround the definition of sentience. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

The draft remains an inexact science, but the Cubs have a formula that has endured through regime changes and philosophical shifts. —Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 9 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing philosophical

• philosophical analysis

Rhymes for philosophical

• theosophical
• unphilosophical

Kids Definition

philosophical

adjective

philo·​soph·​i·​cal

ˌfil-ə-ˈsäf-i-kəl

variants also philosophic

-ik

1

: of, relating to, or based on philosophy

2

: characterized by the attitude of a philosopher

especially : calm and patient when faced with trouble

philosophically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb