Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to metaphysics: Pertaining to the branch of philosophy concerned with the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and being.
   • Highly abstract and theoretical: Characterized by concepts that are beyond the physical or empirical world, often considered overly abstract.
   • Without material form or substance: Referring to entities, forces, or principles that are not physical or tangible.

Usage Examples

• Relating to metaphysics:
  • The professor's lecture focused on metaphysical questions about the nature of time and consciousness.
  • Aristotle's work includes both physical and metaphysical inquiries.
• Highly abstract and theoretical:
  • The debate became too metaphysical for practical application.
  • His argument was dismissed as purely metaphysical speculation.
• Without material form or substance:
  • Some philosophies propose a metaphysical realm that exists beyond our sensory perception.
  • The poet wrote about metaphysical love that transcended physical attraction.

Advanced Usage

• "Metaphysical conceit": A literary device, especially in 17th-century poetry, involving an elaborate and often surprising comparison between two very dissimilar things.
  • John Donne's poems are famous for their use of the metaphysical conceit.
• In a critical context: Can imply something is impractical or detached from reality due to excessive abstraction.
  • The policy discussion veered into metaphysical territory, ignoring the concrete data.

Variants and Related Words

• Metaphysics (n): The branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature of reality.
  • She is writing her thesis on the history of metaphysics.
• Metaphysician (n): A philosopher who specializes in metaphysics.
  • The metaphysician proposed a new theory of personal identity.

Synonyms

• Abstract: Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
• Theoretical: Concerned with or involving the theory of a subject or area of study rather than its practical application.
• Transcendental: Relating to a spiritual or non-physical realm.
• Philosophical: Relating to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.

Antonyms

• Physical: Relating to the body or things perceived through the senses as opposed to the mind.
• Concrete: Existing in a material or physical form; real, solid.
• Empirical: Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.
• Practical: Of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Metaphysical doubt": A profound, philosophical skepticism about the possibility of certain knowledge, as famously explored by René Descartes.
  • Descartes' method began with a state of metaphysical doubt.
• "Metaphysical poetry": A style of poetry from the 17th century characterized by intellectual complexity, inventive conceits, and philosophical themes.
  • Andrew Marvell is a key figure in metaphysical poetry.

Adjective

1. highly abstract and overly theoretical
   • metaphysical reasoning
2. without material form or substance
   • metaphysical forces
3. pertaining to or of the nature of metaphysics
   • metaphysical philosophy