metapsychology: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “metapsychology” mean?
The theoretical and philosophical study of the foundational assumptions and concepts of psychology (especially psychoanalysis).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The theoretical and philosophical study of the foundational assumptions and concepts of psychology (especially psychoanalysis).
A branch of inquiry concerned with the abstract, structural, and epistemological principles underlying psychological theories, moving beyond empirical observation to examine their philosophical bases and logical coherence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or definition differences. Usage is confined to specialist academic circles in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with Freudian/Lacanian psychoanalytic theory. May carry a connotation of abstract, speculative, or non-empirical theorising.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, with a slight potential edge in American academic publishing due to the historical influence of psychoanalysis in US humanities departments.
Grammar
How to Use “metapsychology” in a Sentence
the metapsychology of [NOUN PHRASE, e.g., the unconscious, drives]discussions concerning metapsychologyfoundations laid in metapsychologyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metapsychology” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metapsychological framework is crucial to his argument.
- She offered a metapsychological critique of the diagnosis.
American English
- His metapsychological approach differs from standard models.
- The debate centered on metapsychological assumptions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in advanced seminars and publications in psychoanalysis, philosophy of mind, and critical theory.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in specific psychoanalytic traditions for discussing models of the psyche (topographic, dynamic, economic).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metapsychology”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metapsychology”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metapsychology”
- Using it to mean 'parapsychology' or 'advanced psychology'.
- Pronouncing it as /miːtə-/ instead of /mɛtə-/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Psychology is the study of mind and behaviour. Metapsychology is the study of the theories and concepts that underpin psychology itself.
The term is most strongly associated with Sigmund Freud, who used it to describe the abstract, theoretical part of his psychoanalytic system.
It is considered a philosophical or theoretical discipline within psychoanalysis and psychology, often dealing with concepts not directly testable by empirical science, making its status debated.
Almost exclusively in advanced academic texts on the history and philosophy of psychoanalysis, critical theory, or philosophical psychology.
The theoretical and philosophical study of the foundational assumptions and concepts of psychology (especially psychoanalysis).
Metapsychology is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Metapsychology: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛtəsaɪˈkɒlədʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛdəˌsaɪˈkɑːlədʒi/ˌmɛtəˌsaɪˈkɑːlədʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine PSYCHOLOGY studying the mind, and META- being a ghostly figure standing behind it, discussing the rules of the study itself.
Conceptual Metaphor
THEORY IS A FOUNDATION (metapsychology provides the groundwork for psychological theories).
Practice
Quiz
Metapsychology is primarily concerned with: