metaphysics (ˌmɛtəˈfɪzɪks
)
Definitions
noun (functioning as singular)
- the branch of philosophy that deals with first principles, esp of being and knowing
- the philosophical study of the nature of reality, concerned with such questions as the existence of God, the external world, etc
- See descriptive metaphysics
- (popularly) abstract or subtle discussion or reasoning
Alternative Forms
metaphysician (ˌmɛtəfɪˈzɪʃən) metaphysicist (ˌmɛtəˈfɪzɪsɪst) noun Word Origin
C16: from Medieval Latin, from Greek ta meta ta phusika the things after the physics, from the arrangement of the subjects treated in the works of Aristotlemetaphysic (ˌmɛtəˈfɪzɪk)
Definitions
noun
- the system of first principles and assumptions underlying an enquiry or philosophical theory
- an obsolete word for metaphysician
adjective
- rare another word for metaphysical
Usage examples
They were accused of defeatism by some of their enemies; of shoddy metaphysics by others.
, EVERVILLE (2001)All of the metaphysics appeared to help the Schickedanz duo yesterday at the draw for post positions.
Globe and Mail (2003)After a sabbatical in India learning metaphysics and yoga, Shepherd began his second career, as an editor and compiler of books, in earnest.
Times, Sunday Times (2004)For some, the introduction of Yoga terminology and the metaphysics of reincarnation is off-putting and distasteful.
, Other Lives, Other Selves (1987)