'philosopher' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'philosophos', where 'philo-' meant 'loving' and 'sophos' meant 'wise' or 'wisdom'.

'philosophos' passed into Latin as 'philosophus', then entered Middle English (via Latin and Old French influences) and eventually became the modern English word 'philosopher'.

Initially it meant 'lover of wisdom', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who studies or is learned in philosophy' or more generally 'a thoughtful, reflective person'.