philosophy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'philosophy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'philosophy' in a sentence to refer to a system of beliefs or a set of ideas or opinions formed by someone. For example, "John has his own unique philosophy on life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wayne Rooney has thanked "tough" Louis van Gaal for helping the Manchester United squad buy into a new football philosophy.

The Guardian - Sport

For example, if you went to the University of West Virginia, you could do economics and Asian studies, with elective classes in maths, philosophy, history and French.

The Guardian

"We don't cry on injuries, that is our philosophy," Mourinho said.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfairness needs no deeper philosophy to explain it than this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those managing the money are not guided solely by profit maximisation: there's an investment philosophy saying no money will be put into tobacco or Sudan.

The Guardian

The passion for books is palpable, and the life of the mind celebrated whether fiction or cookbooks, poetry, biography or science, or politics, or philosophy or architecture or history – and always an air of anticipation, especially this year when the referendum on Scottish independence will be just a month away, and the festival an arena for debate just as it was last year.

The Guardian - Books

Guardian Labs - which launched in 2014 with a seven-figure Unilever campaign (the award-winning Live Better Challenge) - is rooted in the philosophy of 'Open Ideas', and collaborates with brands and advertisers to create innovative and authentic branded content.

The Guardian

There are other big disagreements: on national defence, on the deficit and a bigger philosophy question.

The Guardian

I didn't take no for an answer, and I'm now at the University of Kent studying history and philosophy of art.

The Guardian

What is most exciting about this project is the way in which these students discover a new world – politics, art, history, philosophy – via Paris.

The Guardian - Opinion

For those who looked closely at the SNP and Scottish Labour manifestos, however, beyond Trident the pledges and philosophy therein appeared virtually identical, Sturgeon having belatedly followed Labour's lead (rather than the other way round) on a mansion tax, bankers' bonus and abolition of non-dom status.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's personal beliefs, use "philosophy" to convey a comprehensive and deeply considered system of thought. For example, "Her business philosophy prioritizes sustainability and ethical practices."

Common error

Don't use "philosophy" to describe simple preferences or habits. Reserve it for well-developed systems of thought. Saying "My philosophy is to always arrive late" diminishes the term's significance.

Linguistic Context

The noun "philosophy" functions as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It refers to a system of beliefs, a field of study, or a guiding principle. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "philosophy" is a versatile noun widely used to describe a system of beliefs, an academic discipline, or a guiding principle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, ranging from news articles and business reports to scientific publications. While interchangeable with terms like ""worldview"" or ""ideology"", it's important to reserve it for well-developed and consistent systems of thought, avoiding overuse in casual contexts. Remember to maintain a neutral to formal register when using "philosophy", given its common association with reasoned thought and structured systems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

belief system

Highlights the organized set of beliefs, values, and assumptions about the world.

worldview

Focuses on a personal set of beliefs about the world, rather than a formal system of thought.

school of thought

Refers to a particular way of thinking, often associated with a specific group or tradition.

ideology

Refers to a system of ideas, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.

conceptual framework

Emphasizes the structure of concepts and ideas used to understand and analyze something.

doctrine

Implies a set of beliefs taught or held by a church, political party, or other group.

theoretical foundation

Focuses on the theoretical basis or underpinning of a system or approach.

principles

Emphasizes the fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

underlying assumptions

Highlights the basic assumptions that form the basis of a particular viewpoint or argument.

ethical framework

Implies a structured set of moral principles that guide decision-making and behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "philosophy" in a sentence?

You can use "philosophy" to refer to a system of beliefs, an academic discipline, or a guiding principle. For example, "The company's philosophy emphasizes customer satisfaction."

What's a good alternative to the word "philosophy"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "worldview", "ideology", or "principles" might be suitable.

What is the difference between "philosophy" and "ideology"?

"Philosophy" generally refers to a broader, more abstract system of thought, while "ideology" often implies a more specific, politically or economically driven set of beliefs.

Can "philosophy" be used to describe a personal belief?

Yes, but it's best used when referring to a well-thought-out and consistent system of beliefs, not just a simple opinion. A more casual belief might be better described as a "viewpoint" or "perspective".