adjective

ontological

on-tuh-LOJ-i-kul

Ontological (adjective) means relating to ontology — the branch of philosophy concerned with what exists and what it means for something to be. Example: “An ontological question about whether numbers exist.”

adjective

Relating to ontology — the branch of philosophy concerned with what exists and what it means for something to be.

"An ontological question about whether numbers exist."

How to use ontological

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo do with what actually exists.

When to use it

Academic and philosophical. Rare in everyday speech.

Easily confused with

epistemological metaphysical →

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An _____ question about whether numbers exist.

Etymology

From Greek "ontos" (being) plus "logos" (study), via the noun ontology.

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for ontological

musical comical radical medical logical lyrical typical cynical optical magical ethical inimical

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Frequently asked questions

What does ontological mean?

Concerning the nature of existence — what kinds of things exist and what it means to say something is real. An ontological claim is about being itself, not about how we know things.

What is the difference between ontological and epistemological?

Ontology asks what exists; epistemology asks how we can know it. "Is there a mind separate from the brain?" is ontological. "How could we ever find out?" is epistemological.

What is the meaning of ontological?

"ontological" (adjective) means relating to ontology — the branch of philosophy concerned with what exists and what it means for something to be.

How do you use ontological in a sentence?

Example: "An ontological question about whether numbers exist."