Word
philosophical
Phoneticsphilo·soph·i·cal
US/ˌfɪɫəˈsɑfɪkəɫ/
UK/fˌɪləsˈɒfɪkəl/
Definitions
01relating to philosophy
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. relating to the study of ideas about knowledge, right and wrong, and the meaning of life.
adj. pertaining to the academic or theoretical study of philosophy.
“The two friends had a long philosophical discussion about whether people are born good.”
“The professor's latest book explores the philosophical foundations of modern democracy, questioning the ethical assumptions of early political theorists.”
Synonyms
02calm and accepting
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. staying calm and not getting upset when you face a difficult or disappointing situation.
adj. demonstrating a calm, stoic, or detached attitude toward hardship or misfortune.
“He was very philosophical about losing his job, saying it was just a chance to start something new.”
“Despite the sudden cancellation of her research grant, she remained philosophical, viewing the setback as an opportunity to refine her methodology.”
03thoughtful and rational
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. thinking about things in a very careful, deep, and logical way.
adj. characterized by a rational, analytic, or critically minded approach to a subject.
“She took a philosophical approach to the problem, looking at the facts instead of her feelings.”
“The committee adopted a philosophical stance on the issue, prioritizing long-term logical consistency over immediate political gains.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “philosophical” in context.
Verb
01. adopt a philosophical approach
“Instead of getting angry about the delay, she decided to adopt a philosophical approach to the situation.”
verb + adj + noun
02. remain philosophical about the failure
“He managed to remain philosophical about the failure of his business, viewing it as a learning experience.”
verb + adj + prep + noun
Adjective
03. deeply philosophical
“The novel explores deeply philosophical questions about the nature of existence and free will.”
adv + adj
04. philosophical debate
“The ethics of genetic engineering has sparked a heated philosophical debate among scholars.”
adj + noun
05. philosophical implications
“Scientists are beginning to consider the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. philosophical school of thought
“Stoicism is a philosophical school of thought that emphasizes personal virtue and resilience.”
adj + noun + prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“The episode has become famous, marking the moment when extraterrestrial life went from a theme for philosophical speculation to a serious scientific problem.” “Ever since, poets have used the form to write elegies, love notes, political invectives, philosophical inquiries, and more.” Etymology
From philosophy + -ical, from Ancient Greek φιλοσοφία (philosophía, “love of knowledge, scientific learning”). Displaced native Old English ūþwitlīċ.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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