theosophical society: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist/Historical)Formal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “theosophical society” mean?
An organization founded in 1875 dedicated to exploring esoteric philosophy, comparative religion, and spiritual exploration, based on the principle of universal brotherhood.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organization founded in 1875 dedicated to exploring esoteric philosophy, comparative religion, and spiritual exploration, based on the principle of universal brotherhood.
A specific historical and philosophical movement that seeks to investigate the underlying wisdom in all world religions and to promote the study of ancient and modern theosophy, mysticism, and occultism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The society's historical roots mean references are consistent globally, though its historical activities in India and the UK are prominent in British contexts.
Connotations
Connotes late 19th/early 20th century esoteric spirituality, intercultural religious dialogue, and sometimes a historical curiosity.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, primarily found in religious studies, history of ideas, or biographies of related figures like Helena Blavatsky.
Grammar
How to Use “theosophical society” in a Sentence
[Subject] studied with the Theosophical Society.[Subject] was involved in the Theosophical Society.The teachings of the Theosophical Society influenced [Object].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “theosophical society” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He theosophised at the local lodge, but never formally joined the Theosophical Society.
American English
- She often theosophizes about unity, inspired by the original Theosophical Society texts.
adverb
British English
- He spoke theosophically-society, referencing their specific doctrines.
American English
- The group operated quasi-theosophically, though independent of the official Theosophical Society.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, history of ideas, and South Asian studies contexts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might appear in discussions of alternative spirituality or history.
Technical
Used as a proper noun referring to the specific organization and its historical doctrines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “theosophical society”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “theosophical society”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “theosophical society”
- Using lower case ('theosophical society').
- Using it as a common noun for any theosophical group.
- Misspelling as 'Theosophic Society' or 'Theosophy Society'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an organization for the study of religion, philosophy, and science, describing itself as unsectarian.
It was co-founded in 1875 by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, and others.
Yes, there are multiple organizations deriving from the original society with branches worldwide, though much smaller than in its early 20th-century peak.
'Theosophy' refers to a system of philosophical and esoteric thought. The 'Theosophical Society' is a specific organization founded to promote the study of theosophy and related subjects.
An organization founded in 1875 dedicated to exploring esoteric philosophy, comparative religion, and spiritual exploration, based on the principle of universal brotherhood.
Theosophical society is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Theosophical society: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθiːəˈsɒfɪkəl səˈsaɪəti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθiːəˈsɑːfɪkəl səˈsaɪəti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No direct idioms. Figurative use: 'a regular Theosophical Society' could humorously imply a group overly focused on mysterious or obscure theories.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'THEO' (god) + 'SOPHICAL' (wisdom) + 'SOCIETY' (group) = a group seeking divine wisdom.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A LIGHT (e.g., 'the Society sought to illuminate hidden truths').
Practice
Quiz
What is a core principle of the Theosophical Society?