pre-Socratic

American

[pree-suh-krat-ik, -soh-] / ˌpri səˈkræt ɪk, -soʊ- /

adjective

of or relating to the philosophers or philosophical systems of the period before the Socratic period.

noun

any philosopher of this period.

Etymology

Origin of pre-Socratic

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The painting of the bald figure bears a citation of the pre-Socratic philosopher Parmenides.

From New York Times • Nov. 5, 2021

When they were finally together, they made a little more small talk — regarding the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher Heraclitus — and were soon bonding over a mutual love of cycling, camping, red meat and wine.

From New York Times • Sep. 25, 2020

Can one lone pre-Socratic in a canoe teach you everything you failed to learn about philosophy in college?

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2015

His students seem to lack a moral vision from the day they get to campus, and besides, professors have been espousing moral relativism since the pre-Socratic age.

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2015

A few words must be said of the sources of our knowledge of pre-Socratic philosophy.

From A Critical History of Greek Philosophy by Stace, W. T. (Walter Terence)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023