Meaning & use
metaphysical
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Relating to abstract philosophical questions about the nature of existence, reality, or being, beyond what can be explained by physical science.
See it in a sentence
The professor's lecture explored metaphysical questions about the nature of time and consciousness.
Some readers find the poet's metaphysical imagery, comparing love to a compass, both strange and beautiful.
A note on using this word
Also names a specific group of 17th-century English poets, the "Metaphysical poets," known for intellectual, elaborate imagery.
Words with a similar meaning
abstractphilosophical
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