philosopher

[ fi-los-uh-fer ]
/ fɪˈlɒs ə fər /

noun

a person who offers views or theories on profound questions in ethics, metaphysics, logic, and other related fields.
a person who is deeply versed in philosophy.
a person who establishes the central ideas of some movement, cult, etc.
a person who regulates his or her life, actions, judgments, utterances, etc., by the light of philosophy or reason.
a person who is rationally or sensibly calm, especially under trying circumstances.
Obsolete. an alchemist or occult scientist.

Origin of philosopher

before 900; Middle English, variant of philosophre < Anglo-French (Middle French philosophe < Latin philosophus); replacing Old English philosoph < Latin philosophus < Greek philósophos philosopher, equivalent to philo- philo- + soph(ía) wisdom (see -sophy) + -os noun suffix

OTHER WORDS FROM philosopher

phi·los·o·pher·ship, noun

Example sentences from the Web for philosopher

British Dictionary definitions for philosopher

philosopher
/ (fɪˈlɒsəfə) /

noun

a student, teacher, or devotee of philosophy
a person of philosophical temperament, esp one who is patient, wise, and stoical
(formerly) an alchemist or devotee of occult science
a person who establishes the ideology of a cult or movement the philosopher of the revolution

Cultural definitions for philosopher

philosopher

Someone who engages in philosophy. Some examples of philosophers are Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, and Plato.