philosophical

adjective

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

also -ˈzä- \

variants: or less commonly philosophic \ ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fik

also -ˈzä- \

Definition of philosophical

1a : 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

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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, this transition doesn't come without its challenges, both philosophical and technological. — David Flower, Forbes, 24 May 2021 Second, longer-term and more strategic, is China’s growing philosophical, politico-military and economic assault against the U.S. and the Indo-Pacific generally. — John Bolton, WSJ, 23 May 2021 These tours take visitors beyond the superficial to explore the park's deeper history, as well as wildlife species, plants used in medicine and nutrition, and the Blackfeet peoples' philosophical and spiritual perspectives. — Ali Wunderman, Star Tribune, 21 May 2021 While Schindler takes a philosophical view of physical change, other participants highlight the metamorphic quality of their artistic methods. — Washington Post, 23 Apr. 2021 All this solid moral and philosophical formation will tend to survive even the erosion or evolution of personal faith. — Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 5 Mar. 2021 What follows are naturally philosophical, ethical and scientific questions. — John Benson, cleveland, 12 May 2021 Some are emotional, philosophical or spiritual — others are distinctly pragmatic. — Courtney Smith, Forbes, 7 May 2021 As a result, Americans’ habit of joining local organizations did more, in Tocqueville’s eyes at least, to limit the reach of the federal government than any abstract philosophical or political principle. — Cameron Hilditch, National Review, 1 May 2021

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.