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

However, the beings were unable to comprehend human emotions like love, adding a philosophical layer to the narrative. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 10 Dec. 2024

This book is written with the premise that climate change should be understood as a consequence of capitalism and white supremacy, which define both the philosophical framework and practical approaches presented in the book. —Anna Broughel, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

The hushed folk tunes of Sudanese Canadian singer-songwriter Mustafa sit at a philosophical roundabout joining familial obligations, faith journeys, and inner-city struggles. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2024

There was no philosophical glue to hold it together. —Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 1 Dec. 2024

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