philosophy

English

/fɪˈlɒsəfi/, /fɪˈlɑsəfi/

noun
Definitions
  • (uncountable) The love of wisdom.
  • (uncountable) An academic discipline that seeks truth through reasoning rather than empiricism.
  • (countable) A comprehensive system of belief.
  • (countable) A view or outlook regarding fundamental principles underlying some domain.
  • (countable) A general principle (usually moral).
  • (archaic) A broader branch of (non-applied) science.
  • A calm and thoughtful demeanor; calmness of temper.
  • (printing) especially in French printing.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English philosophie derived from Old French philosophie derived from Latin philosophia (philosophy) derived from Ancient Greek φιλοσοφία (love of wisdom).

Origin

Ancient Greek

φιλοσοφία

Gloss

love of wisdom

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms