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

Banners, badges or signs for political, ideological, philosophical or commercial purposes are not permitted. —Caché McClay, USA Today, 18 June 2025

Eileen is, of course, a deeply spiritual writer and thinker, deeply philosophical and wild-minded, and what with poetry being so great for divination, their poems in particular land well. —Michelle Tea june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025

Asmir Begovic is philosophical about what is to come. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 12 June 2025

While the biological and philosophical debates are interesting, the legal ramifications for endangered species conservation are of paramount importance. —Alex Erwin, The Conversation, 6 June 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