theosophy

noun the·os·o·phy \ thē-ˈä-sə-fē \

Definition of theosophy

1 : teaching about God and the world based on mystical insight

2 often capitalized : the teachings of a modern movement originating in the U.S. in 1875 and following chiefly Buddhist and Brahmanic theories especially of pantheistic evolution and reincarnation

—

theosophical

play \ˌthē-ə-ˈsä-fi-kəl\ adjective

—

theosophically

play \ˌthē-ə-ˈsä-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Recent Examples of theosophy from the Web

This may have been the nerdiest moment in American politics since Henry Wallace wandered into theosophy.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "We Were Close to a Eureka Moment During James Comey's Testimony," 8 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'theosophy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

The word theosophy, combining roots meaning "God" and "wisdom", appeared back in the 17th century, but the well-known religious movement by that name, under the leadership of the Russian Helena Blavatsky, appeared only around 1875. Blavatsky's theosophy combined elements of Plato's philosophy with Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu thought (including reincarnation), in a way that she claimed had been divinely revealed to her. The Theosophical Society, founded in 1875 to promote her beliefs, still exists, as does the Anthroposophical Society, founded by her follower Rudolf Steiner.