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

How do the questions AI raises invoke much older philosophical and theological problems that have haunted intellectual history? — Meghan O’Gieblyn, The New York Review of Books, 11 July 2026

Expect plenty of action, interpersonal tensions and philosophical dilemmas around destiny and morality. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Spiritual fast fashion might be an oxymoron, but consumers’ philosophical interrogation may not always run that deep. — CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Taking a trip out of town, perhaps to another city, state or country, will give you new philosophical meaning and understanding, Scorpio. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

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