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 Words From

• 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

Ontology, or the metaphysical consideration of being, was always at the core of Foreman’s theatrical explorations.

From Los Angeles Times

The integration of ontology allows providers to capture and share contextual information about the transport network, enabling providers to offer comprehensive data about routes, schedules, and availability, thereby streamlining the ticketing process.

From Science Daily

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

Related Words

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