metaphysics

noun

meta·​phys·​ics ˌme-tə-ˈfi-ziks How to pronounce metaphysics (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
1
a(1)
: a division of philosophy that is concerned with the fundamental nature of reality and being and that includes ontology, cosmology, and often epistemology
metaphysics … analyzes the generic traits manifested by existences of any kindJ. H. Randall
b
: abstract philosophical studies : a study of what is outside objective experience
steered philosophy away from metaphysics and toward the disciplines of natural science and linguisticsTime
2

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Just as physics deals with the laws that govern the physical world (such as those of gravity or the properties of waves), metaphysics describes what is beyond physics—the nature and origin of reality itself, the immortal soul, and the existence of a supreme being. Opinions about these metaphysical topics vary widely, since what's being discussed can't be observed or measured or even truly known to exist. So most metaphysical questions are still as far from a final answer as they were when Plato and Aristotle were asking them.

Examples of metaphysics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Psychedelic Experience - Revealing The Mind By Aidan Lyon Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes, a philosopher of mind and metaphysics at the University of Exeter, in the U.K., agrees with Osmond that a trip should be defined by phenomenology, not pharmacology. Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2024 That felt somehow thematically appropriate in terms of what the deep metaphysics of the magic in this world are. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2024 Maybe dentists will begin to read up on metaphysics and begin engaging with their woozy patients rather than dismissing their experiences. Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 The many coincidences and unlikely accidents on which the story depends verge on the ridiculous yet serve as a secular metaphysics—a cosmic reinforcement of inevitability, a middle-class version of fate. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for metaphysics 

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin Metaphysica, title of Aristotle's treatise on the subject, from Greek (ta) meta (ta) physika, literally, the (works) after the physical (works); from its position in his collected works

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of metaphysics was in 1569

Dictionary Entries Near metaphysics

Cite this Entry

“Metaphysics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaphysics. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

metaphysics

noun
meta·​phys·​ics ˌmet-ə-ˈfiz-iks How to pronounce metaphysics (audio)
: the part of philosophy concerned with the ultimate causes and basic nature of things
Etymology

from Latin Metaphysica, title given to a work by Aristotle on the subject, from Greek (ta) meta (ta) physika, literally, "the (works) after the physical (works)"; so called because this section came after the section on physics and physical nature in a collection of Aristotle's collected writings

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