adj
philosophical
fihl-uh-SOF-ih-kl
adj
1
Relating to philosophy or the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values.
"She wrote her thesis on a philosophical question about free will."
"The lecture took a philosophical approach to the ethics of AI."
2
Calm and accepting when facing setbacks or disappointment, rather than getting upset.
"He was surprisingly philosophical about losing the promotion."
"After the flight was cancelled, she took a philosophical view and booked a hotel."
How to Use Philosophical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "to do with philosophy" or "calmly accepting of bad luck instead of getting worked up."
Common mistake
The everyday sense (staying calm about a setback) is far more common in casual speech than the academic sense — context usually makes clear which one is meant.
Common pairings
a philosophical question
philosophical about it
take a philosophical view
Word Forms
more philosophical comparative, most philosophical superlative
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She wrote her thesis on a _____ question about free will.
Etymology
From "philosophy" plus the adjective ending "-ical," which traces back to Ancient Greek philosophia, "love of knowledge."