PHILOSOPHER

philosopher

(noun) a specialist in philosophy

philosopher

(noun) a wise person who is calm and rational; someone who lives a life of reason with equanimity

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

philosopher (plural philosophers)

(originally) A lover of wisdom.

A student of philosophy.

A scholar or expert engaged in or contributing to philosophical inquiry.

(archaic) A person who applies the principles of philosophy to the conduct of their life, as by acting calmly and rationally in the face of inevitable change.

(archaic) A student, scholar, or expert in any branch of knowledge, especially those branches studied prior to being considered part of pure science.

(obsolete) An alchemist.

Antonyms

• nonphilosopher

Source: Wiktionary

Phi*los"o*pher, n. Etym: [OE. philosophre, F. philosophe, L. philosophus, Gr. Philosophy.]

1. One who philosophizes; one versed in, or devoted to, philosophy. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him. Acts xvii. 18.

2. One who reduces the principles of philosophy to practice in the conduct of life; one who lives according to the rules of practical wisdom; one who meets or regards all vicissitudes with calmness.

3. An alchemist. [Obs.] Chaucer. Philosopher's stone, an imaginary stone which the alchemists formerly sought as instrument of converting the baser metals into gold.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition