Words of Wisdom
This group of 30 odd 'sophy' and 'sopher' words have in common an etymological derivation from the Greek sophia, meaning 'wisdom'. They refer to an odd group of systems of knowledge, esoteric doctrines, and philosophical practices, most of which are obsolete or extremely rare, with philosophy being the only major exception. Not quite sciences or studies, nor are they isms, they tend to refer to mystical or occult concepts rather than strictly religious or scientific canons of knowledge.
Word
|
Definition
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anthroposophy
| knowledge of the nature of humanity; human wisdom
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chirosophy
| knowledge of palm-reading
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cosmosophy
| knowledge of the cosmos
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deipnosophy
| learned dinner-conversation
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demonosopher
| one who is inspired by a demon or devil
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gastrosopher
| a person skilled in matters of eating
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gymnosophy
| deep contemplation performed while naked
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helicosophy
| geometry that deals with spirals
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hypnosophy
| knowledge of phenomena relating to sleep
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misosophy
| hatred of knowledge or wisdom
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morosophy
| foolish pretence of wisdom
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mysteriosophy
| system of knowledge concerning secrets and mysteries
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neutrosophy
| study of the origin and nature of philosophical neutralities
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ontosophy
| knowledge of being or existence
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palaeosophy
| ancient learning or thought
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pansophy
| universal knowledge
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pantosophy
| universal knowledge; pansophy
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philosophy
| science of knowledge or wisdom
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physiophilosophy
| system of knowledge concerning principles of natural history
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physiosophy
| assumption of knowledge of nature
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phytosophy
| knowledge of plants
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pneumatophilosophy
| philosophy of spirits or the spirit world
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pseudosophy
| pretension to wisdom
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psilosophy
| shallow philosophy; limited knowledge
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psychosophy
| doctrine or theory of the soul
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pyrosophy
| knowledge of the properties of fire
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rhabdology
| knowledge or learning concerning divining rods
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sciosophy
| system of knowledge without basis in science
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theanthroposophy
| system of belief concerning Christ as god and man
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theosophy
| immediate divine illumination or wisdom
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zoosophy
| knowledge or learning concerning animals
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I hope you have found this site to be useful. If you have any corrections, additions, or comments, please contact me. Please note that I am not able to respond to all requests. Please consult a major dictionary before e-mailing your query. All material on this page © 1996-2021 Stephen Chrisomalis. Links to this page may be made without permission.
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