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

All of which suggests a further overlap with Percy, whose fiction rests on a firm philosophical and theological foundation. —Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

One roars unimpeded through blogs, memes, forums, group texts, Substacks, and chatrooms, while another unfolds at a more stately pace, by means of policy papers, revisionist histories, and conservative political-philosophical manifestos. —Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025

In her 1985 afterword to The Ha-Ha, Jennifer Dawson explores its sociopolitical and feminist implications, rather than religious or philosophical themes. —Literary Hub, 21 Nov. 2025

This book is a great read for lovers of music and music history who desire a deeper philosophical and psychological understanding of the impact of music on our lives and culture. —Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 21 Nov. 2025

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