philosophy
noun
phi·los·o·phy
fə-ˈlä-s(ə-)fē 
plural philosophies
1
a(1)
: all learning exclusive of technical precepts and practical arts
(2)
: the sciences and liberal arts exclusive of medicine, law, and theology
a doctor of philosophy
(3)
: the 4-year college course of a major seminary
b(1)
archaic
: physical science
(2)
: ethics
c
: a discipline comprising as its core logic, aesthetics, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology
2
a
: pursuit of wisdom
b
: a search for a general understanding of values and reality by chiefly speculative rather than observational means
c
: an analysis of the grounds of and concepts expressing fundamental beliefs
3
a
: a system of philosophical concepts
b
: a theory underlying or regarding a sphere of activity or thought
the philosophy of war
4
a
: the most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group
b
: calmness of temper and judgment befitting a philosopher
Synonyms
Examples of philosophy in a Sentence
There's plenty of blame to go around: poor regulation, eight years of a failed Republican economic philosophy, Wall Street-friendly Democrats who helped stymie reform, misguided bipartisan efforts to promote home ownership, Wall Street greed, corrupt CEOs, a botched rescue effort, painfully fallible central bankers.
—
Daniel Gross, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2009
Broadly speaking, philosophy has three concerns: how the world hangs together, how our beliefs can be justified, and how to live.
—Jim Holt, New York Times Book Review, 15 Feb. 2009
Almost none of the kids were older than twenty-five, as if there were a sell-by date on radical social philosophy, a legal age limit after which one must surrender lofty ideals and shave off all dreadlocks.
—Matthew Power, Harper's, March 2008
In their mission statement, the editors bragged of their firm commitment to equality and social justice, but their philosophy didn't prevent them from summoning Lindsey to perform all their menial tasks.
—Kim Wong Keltner, The Dim Sum of All Things, 2004
Her degree is in philosophy and religion.
The group eventually split over conflicting political philosophies.
Her main cooking philosophy is to use only fresh ingredients.
Daniel Gross, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2009
Broadly speaking, philosophy has three concerns: how the world hangs together, how our beliefs can be justified, and how to live.
—Jim Holt, New York Times Book Review, 15 Feb. 2009
Almost none of the kids were older than twenty-five, as if there were a sell-by date on radical social philosophy, a legal age limit after which one must surrender lofty ideals and shave off all dreadlocks.
—Matthew Power, Harper's, March 2008
In their mission statement, the editors bragged of their firm commitment to equality and social justice, but their philosophy didn't prevent them from summoning Lindsey to perform all their menial tasks.
—Kim Wong Keltner, The Dim Sum of All Things, 2004
Her degree is in philosophy and religion.
The group eventually split over conflicting political philosophies.
Her main cooking philosophy is to use only fresh ingredients.
Recent Examples on the Web
President Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada on Saturday, and 10% tariffs on China, making a signature campaign promise and core economic philosophy of his administration reality, with implications for everything from oil to autos to the U.S consumer.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 1 Feb. 2025
Talking to reporters at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, then-head coach Mike McCarthy was asked about taking over play-calling duties going into that season and how his philosophies would manifest onto the field.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2025
More Hunting Opportunity on Federal Land While the full-speed ahead philosophy on resource extraction doesn’t signal a willingness to compromise, another section of President Trump’s mandate actually focuses on resolving a growing gulf between Alaska’s state and federal land managers.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 31 Jan. 2025
Lucas and Eilers’s work was celebrated in the Rizzoli monograph Expressive Interiors: Designing an Inviting Home, which delves into the firm’s philosophy and diverse selection of projects.
—Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for philosophy 
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Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 1 Feb. 2025
Talking to reporters at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, then-head coach Mike McCarthy was asked about taking over play-calling duties going into that season and how his philosophies would manifest onto the field.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2025
More Hunting Opportunity on Federal Land While the full-speed ahead philosophy on resource extraction doesn’t signal a willingness to compromise, another section of President Trump’s mandate actually focuses on resolving a growing gulf between Alaska’s state and federal land managers.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 31 Jan. 2025
Lucas and Eilers’s work was celebrated in the Rizzoli monograph Expressive Interiors: Designing an Inviting Home, which delves into the firm’s philosophy and diverse selection of projects.
—Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for philosophy
Articles Related to philosophy
Dictionary Entries Near philosophy
Cite this Entry
“Philosophy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philosophy. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
philosophy
noun
phi·los·o·phy
fə-ˈläs-(ə-)fē
plural philosophies
1
: the study of the basic ideas about knowledge, truth, right and wrong, religion, and the nature and meaning of life
2
: the philosophical teachings or principles of a person or group
Greek philosophy
3
: the general principles of a field of study or activity
the philosophy of history
4
: someone's basic beliefs about the way people should live
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