Definition

A thinker or writer who is part of the philosophical movement during the 18th century in France, known for their ideas about politics, society, and reason.

Example

Voltaire and Rousseau were famous philosophes who influenced modern thought.

Conversation

Have you ever read anything by a philosophe?

Not really, but I've heard they had some interesting ideas.

Yeah, they were influential during the Enlightenment period.

That sounds fascinating! I should check some of their works.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Philosophe** → The word comes from the Greek "philosophos" (meaning lover of wisdom), which is formed from "philos" (meaning loving) and "sophia" (meaning wisdom). A philosopher is someone who loves wisdom and seeks knowledge.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is a 'lover' ('philos') of 'wisdom' ('sophia') — that's what a philosopher is.

Visually Confused Words