philosophy
gb/fəlˈɑsəfi/ us/fəlˈɑsəfi/
B1
English
~ 2400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
study of knowledge and existence
The study of ideas about life, knowledge, truth, and the meaning of things.
Usage pattern:
[someone] studies philosophy
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'philosophy' with 'psychology', but psychology studies the mind and behavior scientifically, while philosophy deals with ideas and reasoning.
Synonyms
metaphysics (A branch of philosophy focusing specifically on the fundamental nature of reality.)
Antonyms
science (In contrast, science studies the natural world through observation and experiment rather than abstract reasoning alone.)
Collocations
study philosophy
|philosophy department
|Western philosophy
|moral philosophy
|ancient philosophy
Themes
education
|ideas
|science
Examples
- She decided to major in philosophy at university.
- Philosophy asks deep questions about the meaning of life.
- The course covers the history of Western philosophy.
- Many great works of philosophy were written in ancient Greece.
- He enjoys reading books on philosophy in his spare time.
Learner examples
- I study philosophy at school.
- Philosophy is about big ideas.
- She reads books about philosophy.
- Philosophy asks what is true.
- He likes to talk about philosophy.
Noun
B1
entity
2
guiding beliefs or principles
A way of thinking or a set of rules that guide how someone acts or makes decisions.
Usage pattern:
[someone's] philosophy is [that-clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think 'philosophy' in this sense means only academic study, but here it refers to everyday guiding ideas.
Synonyms
creed (Often used for religious or moral guiding principles.)
Antonyms
impulsiveness (Acting without a guiding set of principles or forethought.)
Collocations
personal philosophy
|company philosophy
|teaching philosophy
|life philosophy
Themes
life
|values
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her personal philosophy is to treat others with kindness.
- The company's philosophy focuses on customer satisfaction.
- His teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning.
- My life philosophy is to always keep learning.
- Their management philosophy encourages teamwork.
Learner examples
- My philosophy is to be kind.
- His philosophy is to work hard.
- The company has a new philosophy.
- Her philosophy is to help people.
- Our team's philosophy is to share ideas.
Noun
C1
state
3
calm acceptance of difficulties
Staying calm and thinking clearly when bad things happen.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this sense is figurative compared to academic 'philosophy'. It refers to attitude, not study.
Synonyms
stoicism (A more specific term for enduring pain or hardship without showing feelings.)
Antonyms
panic (An uncontrolled emotional reaction to difficulty or danger.)
Collocations
philosophy in the face of trouble
Themes
emotions
|life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He accepted the bad news with remarkable philosophy.
- She faced the challenges with quiet philosophy.
- They handled the loss with a lot of philosophy.
Learner examples
- He took the bad news with philosophy.
- She stayed calm with philosophy.
- They showed philosophy when they lost.
Grammar
Dictionary form
philosophy
IPA
GB/fəlˈɑsəfi/
US/fəlˈɑsəfi/
Syllables & stress
philo - sophy (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (sophy)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: philosophy
- Plural: philosophies, philosophy
Word family
Forms
philosophies
noun
Core family
philosopher
noun B1
philosophical
adjective C1
Related words
philosophically
adverb
philosophize
verb
Negative and opposite forms
unphilosophical
adjective
Advanced or less common
philosophic
adjective
Expressions
branch of philosophy
1/bɹˈænt͡ʃ əv fəlˈɑsəfi/
fixed phrase
technical
specialized area of philosophical study
One part of the study of philosophy that looks at a certain type of question.
Examples
- Ethics is a branch of philosophy that studies right and wrong.
- Logic is another important branch of philosophy.
philosophy of life
1/fəlˈɑsəfi əv lˈaɪf/
fixed phrase
guiding principles for living
A person's main ideas about how life should be lived.
Examples
- Her philosophy of life is to enjoy every moment.
- Honesty forms the core of his philosophy of life.
school of philosophy
1/skˈul əv fəlˈɑsəfi/
fixed phrase
formal
group with shared philosophical beliefs
A group of thinkers who share the same ideas about important questions in life and knowledge.
Examples
- Stoicism is an ancient school of philosophy.
- Many schools of philosophy emerged in ancient Greece.