philosophize
/fɪˈlɒsəfʌɪz
/(also philosophise)
verb [no object]
1Speculate or theorize about fundamental or serious issues, especially in a tedious or pompous way: he paused for a while to philosophize on racial equality...
- We cultivate a simple direct relationship with our being-no philosophizing, no moralizing, no judgments.
- But Marin is unconvincing when he pontificates or philosophizes.
- You've been philosophizing about your mortality a bit too much lately, and that's a sure sign of a much-needed vacation.
Synonyms
theorize, moralize, sermonize, pontificate, preach
1.1 [with object] Explain or argue (an idea) in terms of one’s philosophical theories: Marx himself did not philosophize the issue...
- Harry philosophizes a bit more: he says that good is following one's own nature, rather than the nature of other people.
- He philosophized that the body has much in common with a machine, and should function properly if it is sound.
- A master of style often imitated, in his lost work he philosophized that nothing exists; but if something exists, it couldn't be known; and even if it could be known, it couldn't be communicated.
Derivatives
philosophizer
/ noun ...- He has more in common with the rogue French poet Francois Villon, or the Persian poet Rumi, than the current breed of academic philosophizer that passes as poet these days.
- Political leaders and philosophizers have long understood the power of attractive ideas or the ability to set the political agenda and determine the framework of debate in a way that shapes the preferences that others express.
- To the outsider, looking in on our debates they will see a verbal wrestling ring for when we are posting to this site we are being philosophisers.