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ontological

on-tuh-LOJ-ih-kul /ˌɒntəˈlɒdʒɪkl/

adjectiveC2GRE

academicformal

Relating to the branch of metaphysics dealing with the nature of being and existence.

Refers specifically to arguments, claims, or questions regarding whether or how something fundamentally exists.

The story behind the word. Coined in the 17th century from the Greek roots 'onto-' (being, present participle of 'eini', to be) and '-logia' (study). It was devised to create a precise Latinate term 'ontologia' for the philosophical study of being.

Word relationships

existential: 'Existential' often relates to human experience and meaning, whereas 'ontological' concerns the structural nature of being itself.

epistemological: 'Epistemological' deals with knowledge and how we know things, rather than being itself.

Commonly confused with

epistemological: Ontological asks 'what exists?', while epistemological asks 'how do we know what exists?'.

Word family

ontology (noun): The branch of metaphysics that studies existence.
ontologically (adverb): In a manner relating to ontology.

Collocations

ontological argument
ontological status
ontological priority
ontological commitment

Example sentences

"Anselm's ontological argument attempts to prove God's existence through pure reason alone." Philosophical philosophy of religion
"Virtual reality introduces an ontological shift in how we experience digital presence." Modern technology studies

Memory hook

ON TO LOGIC: When you study ONTOLOGICAL matters, you use LOGIC to figure out what goes ON existing. The study of Being.

When not to use

Do not use merely to mean 'important' or 'basic'; it strictly concerns the philosophy of existence.

Fun facts

In computer science, an 'ontology' refers to a formal representation of categories and relationships within a subject domain.

Related words

metaphysical, essence, substance

Explore more words

existential, contingent, eternal, ethical, sound, empirical