'philosophic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'philosophikos', where 'philo-' meant 'loving' and 'sophia' meant 'wisdom'.

'philosophic' changed from the Late Latin word 'philosophicus' (from Greek 'philosophikos') and entered English via Middle French/Latin forms to become the modern English word 'philosophic'.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to or characteristic of philosophers' (i.e., relating to the love of wisdom); over time it retained this sense and additionally acquired the secondary sense of 'calmly reflective or accepting'.