unphilosophical
|un-phil-o-soph-i-cal|
🇺🇸
/ˌʌn.fɪ.ləˈsɑː.fɪ.kəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌn.fɪ.ləˈsɒf.ɪ.kəl/
not philosophical; lacking reflective thought
Etymology
'unphilosophical' originates from English, specifically formed by the prefix 'un-' + 'philosophical', where 'philosophical' derives from 'philosophy' and ultimately from Greek 'philosophia' (philo- 'love' + sophia 'wisdom').
'philosophia' (Greek) passed into Latin as 'philosophia', then into Old/Middle English as 'philosophy'; the adjective 'philosophical' was formed in English with the suffix '-ical', and the negating prefix 'un-' (a Germanic/Old English element meaning 'not') was later attached to produce 'unphilosophical' in Modern English.
Originally relating to 'love of wisdom' and later to matters of reasoned inquiry, the core adjective 'philosophical' came to mean 'relating to philosophy' or 'calmly reflective'; adding 'un-' created the straightforward negation meaning 'not philosophical' or 'lacking philosophical qualities.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not philosophical; lacking or not showing the qualities associated with philosophy such as reflective, abstract, or rational thought.
His unphilosophical approach to the problem ignored the deeper principles behind it.
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Adjective 2
contrary to a calm, detached, or stoical attitude often associated with philosophical outlooks; showing emotional, agitated, or unreasoned reaction.
It would be unphilosophical to panic over a minor setback.
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Last updated: 2025/11/13 17:46