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

Her research suggests that aging mindset is linked to real outcomes — a finding that transforms a philosophical question into a biological one. —Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026

That is a reasonable philosophical position in the abstract. —Julian Baron, Baltimore Sun, 19 Apr. 2026

That was sort of my philosophical or literary grounding. —Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026

The study of exotic subjects – psychology, astrology, the occult – along with philosophical questions about the meaning of life will intrigue you. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 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