# philosophy

/fəˈɫɑsəfi/ (US) · /fɪlˈɒsəfi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/philosophy
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. academic study

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

the study of the nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.

For teachers: the academic discipline that uses reason and logic to investigate the nature of reality, ethics, and human existence.

- She decided to study philosophy at university to understand different ways of thinking.
- The department offers a rigorous introduction to Western philosophy, focusing primarily on the transition from classical metaphysics to modern existentialism.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the field of study.

### 2. personal belief system

noun · CEFR B2

a set of beliefs or ideas that guide how you live or work.

For teachers: a particular system of principles or beliefs for conduct or for the explanation of a specific domain.

- The company's philosophy is to put the customer's needs first.
- His coaching philosophy emphasizes long-term player development over immediate competitive results, even during the championship season.

Usage: Commonly used as a countable noun in this sense.

### 3. calmness

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a calm and sensible way of dealing with a difficult situation.

For teachers: a calm and stoic attitude toward life's difficulties or disappointments.

- He accepted the loss of his job with philosophy, believing that a better opportunity would come.
- She endured the series of administrative setbacks with remarkable philosophy, refusing to let the delays affect her professional focus.

Usage: Often appears in the phrase 'to take something with philosophy'.

## Examples

- Her philosophy of life is to stay positive every day.
- The university offers a degree in political philosophy that explores how different societies define justice and freedom.
- While the ancient Greeks laid the groundwork for Western philosophy, modern thinkers continue to debate the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and human consciousness.

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