philosopher

noun

phi·​los·​o·​pher fə-ˈlä-s(ə-)fər 

1

a

: a person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment : scholar, thinker

b

: a student of philosophy

2

a

: a person whose philosophical perspective makes meeting trouble with equanimity easier

b

: an expounder of a theory in a particular area of experience

c

: one who philosophizes

Examples of philosopher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Communists strived to not remember these philosophers. —Laura Studarus, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024

In optimistic Sagittarius, Mercury embodies the qualities of a philosopher and adventurer, inspiring us to think big, seek the truth and explore new horizons. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024

If James is the rebel with a spray can, Korman is the philosopher with a paintbrush, blending Proustian introspection with Japanese aesthetics to create a visual love letter to time and memory. —Lilian Raji, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Feminist philosophers, like Martha Nussbaum and Annette Baier, offer an explanation for our refusal to relinquish it: The claim to objectivity offers us the dream of invulnerability. —Sigal Samuel, Vox, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English philosophe, philosophre, from Anglo-French, from Latin philosophus, from Greek philosophos, from phil- + sophia wisdom, from sophos wise

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing philosopher

• philosopher's stone

Kids Definition

philosopher

noun

phi·​los·​o·​pher fə-ˈläs-(ə-)fər 

1

a

: a person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment : scholar, thinker

b

: a student of philosophy

2

: a person who is calm and patient when faced with trouble