ontology

[ on-tol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such.
2. (loosely) metaphysics.

ontology

/ ɒnˈtɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. philosophy the branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of being
2. logic the set of entities presupposed by a theory

Derived Forms

• ˌontoˈlogical, adjective
• ˌontoˈlogically, adverb

Other Word Forms

• on·to·log·i·cal [on-tl-, oj, -i-k, uh, l], onto·logic on·tol·o·gis·tic [on-tol-, uh, -, jis, -tik], adjective
• on·tolo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ontology¹

From the New Latin word ontologia, dating back to 1715–25. See onto-, -logy

Example Sentences

An ontology is formal representation of knowledge within a domain and the relationships between those concepts, used to model and manage complex information systems.

From Science Daily

For instance, there is not much semantic distance between "dog" and "cat" while there is a great deal between words like "cat" and "ontology."

From Science Daily

Many Nigerians believe in the supernatural, and this often stems from the animistic ontology that undergirds self and being in many Nigerian communities.

From New York Times

It quantified the phenotypic risk at the gene ontology term level, without a reference genome.

From Science Daily

Grapple was developed to provide members of the public with what Mr Monaco calls "an ontology of employment law", and offers advice on a range of workplace issues from bullying and harassment to redundancy.

From BBC

Related Words

• attitude
• doctrine
• idea
• ideology
• logic
• outlook
• reasoning
• system
• tenet
• theory
• thinking
• thought
• truth
• view
• viewpoint
• wisdom