metaphysic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “metaphysic” mean?
A system of philosophical inquiry concerned with the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and knowledge.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system of philosophical inquiry concerned with the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and knowledge; the branch of philosophy that deals with first principles.
Can also refer to a particular system or theory of metaphysics, or used adjectivally to mean 'metaphysical' (relating to metaphysics). In archaic usage, it sometimes meant a medicine believed to act beyond physical means.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The singular form 'metaphysic' is rare in both varieties, with 'metaphysics' being the standard term for the field.
Connotations
Equally formal and academic in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly higher frequency in specialized philosophy texts, but still less common than 'metaphysics'.
Grammar
How to Use “metaphysic” in a Sentence
[verb] + a/the + metaphysic (e.g., construct, propose, critique)[adjective] + metaphysic (e.g., coherent, comprehensive, outdated)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metaphysic” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metaphysic assumptions of the theory were debated at length.
American English
- The paper's metaphysic framework was clearly outlined.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in philosophy, theology, and critical theory to discuss fundamental principles. Example: 'Her thesis critiques the underlying metaphysic of Cartesian dualism.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be misunderstood or sound pretentious.
Technical
Specific to philosophical discourse and related humanities fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metaphysic”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metaphysic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metaphysic”
- Using 'metaphysic' as a common singular for the general field (use 'metaphysics').
- Pronouncing it /ˈmɛtəfaɪzɪk/ (the stress is on the third syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In meaning, yes, they refer to the same field. However, 'metaphysics' is the standard, far more common term. The singular 'metaphysic' is rare and is typically used to denote a specific system or theory.
Yes, but it is very rare and archaic. The standard adjective is 'metaphysical'. Using 'metaphysic' as an adjective will sound odd to most native speakers.
It comes from Medieval Latin 'metaphysica', from Greek 'ta meta ta physika' meaning 'the things after the physics', referring to Aristotle's works placed after his 'Physics' in early collections.
You would likely only encounter or use it in advanced academic writing on philosophy, especially when comparing different systematic theories (e.g., 'Hegel's metaphysic vs. Kant's'). For almost all other purposes, use 'metaphysics' or 'metaphysical'.
A system of philosophical inquiry concerned with the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and knowledge.
Metaphysic is usually formal, academic in register.
Metaphysic: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛtəˈfɪzɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛdəˈfɪzɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The metaphysic of presence (a philosophical term from Derrida)”
- “A metaphysic of morals (Kantian phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: META (beyond) + PHYSIC (physical) = a study that goes 'beyond the physical' world to its fundamental nature.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHILOSOPHY IS A BUILDING (He constructed a complex metaphysic on a few foundational axioms.)
Practice
Quiz
In modern academic English, which term is MOST commonly used to refer to the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of reality?