Word of the day · 19 April 2026
philosophy
/fɪˈlɒsəfi/
noun
The study of fundamental questions about knowledge, reality, values and mind; also a personal set of guiding principles.
In a sentence
- Her teaching philosophy favored short drills over long lectures.
- The course introduced philosophy through questions about justice.
- Stoic philosophy influenced how he handled setbacks.
In an image
Origin
From Greek philosophia (love of wisdom), from philo- (loving) and sophia (wisdom).
History
Ancient schools treated philosophy as a way of life as well as argument. Universities later split logic, ethics, metaphysics and related fields. Everyday speech shrinks it to “my philosophy is…” for a personal rule. Searchers bounce between the academic and the casual senses.
Nearby words
ethics · reasoning · worldview
Serious thinking about what is true, good and real. Also the outlook you live by.