Definition of philosophical
1a : of or relating to philosophers or philosophyb : based on philosophy
2 : characterized by the attitude of a philosopher; specifically : calm or unflinching in the face of trouble, defeat, or loss
Explore M-W
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 of philosophical from the Web
-
Rather than be frustrated over what happened, Patrick has taken a philosophical approach to the setback that partially derailed his third season with Brandon of the Western Hockey League.
-
Even figuratively, the idea that conservatives should operate like loyal troops to a political leader is fraught with intellectual, philosophical, and historical problems.
-
Commentators have traced that desire on Mr. Macron’s part — to juggle two opposing viewpoints at once — to his early philosophical training as an assistant to one of France’s most celebrated 20th-century philosophers, Paul Ricoeur, who died in 2005.
-
A wide philosophical gulf splits House GOP leaders and Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards.
-
Another difference is perhaps more philosophical than practical.
-
Rather, Scott is a dour minister who preaches in heavy and sludgy rhetoric, posing commonplace conundrums as grand philosophical ponderings.
-
There are significant philosophical concerns about what these silos mean for the open web; the whole point of having the entire Internet at your disposal is that there’s no need for a portal or a one-stop shop.
-
Discovering the brain activity pattern associated with coolness would make Quartz a rich man, but his interest, at times, can seem strictly philosophical.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'philosophical'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
15th Century
First Known Use of philosophical
15th century
Other Philosophy Terms
PHILOSOPHICAL Defined for English Language Learners
philosophical
playDefinition of philosophical for English Language Learners
-
: of, relating to, or based on philosophy
-
: having a calm attitude toward a difficult or unpleasant situation
PHILOSOPHICAL Defined for Kids
philosophical
playphilosophic
\-ˈsä-fik\Definition of philosophical for Students
1 : of or relating to the study of basic ideas about knowledge, right and wrong, reasoning, and the value of things
2 : showing wisdom and calm when faced with misfortune
philosophically
adverbLearn More about philosophical
-
Nglish: Translation of philosophical for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of philosophical for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up philosophical? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!