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metaphysical

 - 2 dictionary results

met⋅a⋅phys⋅i⋅cal

[met-uh-fiz-i-kuhl]
–adjective
1. pertaining to or of the nature of metaphysics.
2. Philosophy.
a. concerned with abstract thought or subjects, as existence, causality, or truth.
b. concerned with first principles and ultimate grounds, as being, time, or substance.
3. highly abstract, subtle, or abstruse.
4. designating or pertaining to the poetry of an early group of 17th-century English poets, notably John Donne, whose characteristic style is highly intellectual and philosophical and features intensive use of ingenious conceits and turns of wit.
5. Archaic. imaginary or fanciful.

Origin:
1375–1425; late ME metaphisicalle < ML metaphysicālis. See metaphysic, -al 1


met⋅a⋅phys⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To metaphysical
met·a·phys·i·cal   (mět'ə-fĭz'ĭ-kəl)   
adj.  
  1. Of or relating to metaphysics.

  2. Based on speculative or abstract reasoning.

  3. Highly abstract or theoretical; abstruse.

    1. Immaterial; incorporeal. See Synonyms at immaterial.

    2. Supernatural.

  4. often Metaphysical Of or relating to the poetry of a group of 17th-century English poets whose verse is characterized by an intellectually challenging style and extended metaphors comparing very dissimilar things.


[Middle English metaphisicalle, from Medieval Latin metaphysicālis, from metaphysica, metaphysics; see metaphysics.]
met'a·phys'i·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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