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

Featuring digital cutout animation, the meta comedy turns on a cosmic animator hired by the Central Committee of the People’s Republic to create a philosophical film for Chairman Mao. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024

This has been a philosophical view of taxes and the budget also championed by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. —Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2024

With its surprisingly philosophical message, charming animation, and Vince Guaraldi’s timeless jazz score, rewatching A Charlie Brown Christmas has become a beloved annual tradition. —Janey Tracey, EW.com, 29 Nov. 2024

His conversation was most fascinating although some parts of it dealing with political and philosophical topics passed over my head. —Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 15 Nov. 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