metaphysics
metaphysics Lexical Profile
metaphysics Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter, substance and attribute, and potentiality and actuality.
"The university seminar on metaphysics explored classical arguments regarding the nature of time, space, and existence."
The underlying theoretical principles or abstract assumptions of a particular subject or field of inquiry.
"Critics argued that the economist's theory relied more on questionable metaphysics than on verifiable market data."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although plural in form, "metaphysics" usually takes a singular verb when referring to the academic field of study (e.g., "Metaphysics is a core branch of philosophy").
• Rhymes for metaphysics
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Medieval Latin metaphysica, derived from the Ancient Greek phrase ta meta ta physika ("the works after the Physics"), a title given by an early editor to Aristotle's treatises on first philosophy because they were placed after his treatises on physics.