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philosophical

adjective phil·o·soph·i·cal \ ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fi-kəl also -ˈzä- \
variants: or less commonly philosophic play \ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fik also -ˈzä-\
|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of philosophical

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
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philosophically

play \ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fi-k(ə-)lē also -ˈzä-\ adverb

See philosophical defined for English-language learners

See philosophical defined for kids

Examples of philosophical in a Sentence

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

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

Recent Examples of philosophical from the Web

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.

First Known Use of philosophical

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, dualism, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism

PHILOSOPHICAL Defined for English Language Learners

philosophical

adjective

Definition 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

adjective phil·o·soph·i·cal \ ˌfi-lə-ˈsä-fi-kəl \
variants: also philosophic \-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
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philosophically

adverb

Learn More about philosophical

  1. Nglish: Translation of philosophical for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of philosophical for Arabic speakers

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