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

In a philosophical shift away from high school recruits and toward the portal, the Longhorns signed transfers in Memphis kicker Gianni Spetic, Florida State punter Mac Chiumento and New Mexico long snapper Trey DuBuc as the replacements. —Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 8 Mar. 2026

CeeLo Green doesn’t care to get philosophical with you. —Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026

Sharp said while many of the defendants shared political and philosophical beliefs, not all of them were members of the Social Rifle Association or the Emma Goldman Book Club. —Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

And at some point, a philosophical debate will need to turn more practical, one way or the other. —Arpon Basu, New York Times, 6 Mar. 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