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

The society of the time – the Greeks, Romans, Jews – preferred to see things in an intellectual or philosophical light. —Gordon Pennertz, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

The spiritual and philosophical roots of yoga emphasise stillness, awareness, and connection with the self. —Adam Husler, Outside Online, 29 Jan. 2025

As vaccine hesitancy spreads, as states allow for religious or philosophical vaccine exemptions, and as vaccine mandates are removed, more unvaccinated children have become susceptible. —Dr. Eve Meltzer Krief, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025

But the moon landing did nothing to diminish injustice, war, poverty, bigotry, narcissism or philosophical emptiness, the scourges of mankind. —Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing philosophical

• philosophical analysis

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