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Synonyms for philosopher


Grammar : Noun
Spell : fi-los-uh-fer
Phonetic Transcription : fɪˈlɒs ə fər



Définition of philosopher

Origin :
  • from Old English philosophe, from Latin philosophus "philosopher," from Greek philosophos "philosopher, sage, one who speculates on the nature of things and truth," literally "lover of wisdom," from philos "loving" (see -phile) + sophos "wise, a sage" (see sophist). Modern form with -r appears early 14c., from an Anglo-French or Old French variant of philosophe, with an agent-noun ending.
  • Pythagoras was the first who called himself philosophos, instead of sophos, 'wise man,' since this latter term was suggestive of immodesty. [Klein]
  • Philosophy also was used of alchemy in Middle Ages, hence Philosophers' stone (late 14c., translating Medieval Latin lapis philosophorum, early 12c.), a reputed solid substance supposed by alchemists to change baser metals into gold or silver; also identified with the elixir and thus given the attribute of prolonging life indefinitely and curing wounds and disease. (French pierre philosophale, German der Stein der Weisen).
  • noun deep thinker
Example sentences :
  • "I never saw a philosopher that dressed so well as Plato," said Eudora.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • The company smiled, and the philosopher answered, "I am Plato."
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • "I mean the philosopher, who teaches in the groves of Academus," continued he.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • The philosopher was too deeply impressed to return to the festivities of Olympia.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • We talked of progress; but progress, like the philosopher's stone, could not be easily attained.
  • Extract from : « Explorations in Australia » by John Forrest
  • "You are too much of a philosopher for me, Miss Raymount," said Vavasor with a smile.
  • Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald
  • It is a spectacle that may inspire the philosopher no less than the artist.
  • Extract from : « The Story of the Malakand Field Force » by Sir Winston S. Churchill
  • Be a philosopher; but, amidst all your philosophy, be still a man.
  • Extract from : « An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding » by David Hume
  • For she, too, is a philosopher, and is therefore just as free from prejudices as we are.
  • Extract from : « Casanova's Homecoming » by Arthur Schnitzler
  • We call him the Philosopher, a nickname folks have given him in the neighbourhood.
  • Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019