philosophical
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Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˌfɪl.əˈsɒf.ɪ.kl̩/ (UK); /ˌfɪl.əˈsɑ.fɪ.kl̩/ (US)[1]
Etymology
It is formed from philosophy and -ical,[2] or from Latin philosophicus and -al.[3]
Earliest recorded meaning
Of persons, learned, skilled in or devoted to philosophy: about 1374 in the OED, the late 14th century in Etymonline.[4][2]
Semantic evolution
Relating to the study of natural philosophy, or science, is from 1471.[4] Relating to philosophy or philosophers in general is from 1500–20 in the OED, about 1500 in Etymonline.[4][2] Calm and wise, showing practical philosophy, is from 1638.[4] Philosophical logic is from 1822,[4] and philosophicals, the subjects of a philosophy course, from 1691.[4]
Timeline
- c. 1374 – skilled in philosophy.[4]
- 1471 – relating to natural philosophy.[4]
- c. 1500 – relating to philosophy.[2]
- 1638 – calm, wise.[4]
- 1691 – philosophicals (noun).[4]
Modern meaning
Adjective
- Relating to or based on philosophy or philosophers.
- Calm and stoical, especially in the face of difficulty, as a philosopher is thought to be.
- Reasonable, wise or learned.
- (formerly) Relating to science or natural philosophy.
Word family
- philosophically
- philosophicalness
- antiphilosophical
- nonphilosophical
- pseudophilosophical
- semiphilosophical
- unphilosophical
Related words
- philosophy
- philosopher
- philosophic
Usage notes
Philosophic is a variant form with the same meanings.[5]
References
- ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
- ^ a b c d Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
- ^ Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press
- ^ Collins English Dictionary (2023), Glasgow: HarperCollins