Ontology: meaning, definitions and examples

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ontology

[ɒnˈtɒlədʒi ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

study of

The branch of metaphysics dealing with the nature of being.

Synonyms

metaphysics, philosophy of being.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ontology	This term is used in discussions about the nature of existence and the categorization of beings. It's often a part of philosophical dialogue, especially in academic settings. The ontology of a virtual world raises interesting questions about the nature of reality In ontology, scholars debate the existence of abstract entities like numbers
metaphysics	Used when talking about the fundamental nature of reality and existence beyond just what can be observed physically. It often includes discussions on topics like space, time, and causality and can be both philosophical and mystical. Metaphysics explores the nature of existence and what it means for something to be real Discussions on metaphysics often delve into questions about the universe's origin
philosophy of being	This phrase is typically used in philosophical discussions about the essence of existence and what it means to be. It is often used when focusing specifically on the nature of beings themselves. He dedicated his work to understanding the philosophy of being, questioning the nature of human existence Scholars in the philosophy of being often explore what it means for something to exist in a more focused manner

Word

Description / Examples

ontology

This term is used in discussions about the nature of existence and the categorization of beings. It's often a part of philosophical dialogue, especially in academic settings.

The ontology of a virtual world raises interesting questions about the nature of reality
In ontology, scholars debate the existence of abstract entities like numbers

metaphysics

Used when talking about the fundamental nature of reality and existence beyond just what can be observed physically. It often includes discussions on topics like space, time, and causality and can be both philosophical and mystical.

Metaphysics explores the nature of existence and what it means for something to be real
Discussions on metaphysics often delve into questions about the universe's origin

philosophy of being

This phrase is typically used in philosophical discussions about the essence of existence and what it means to be. It is often used when focusing specifically on the nature of beings themselves.

He dedicated his work to understanding the philosophy of being, questioning the nature of human existence
Scholars in the philosophy of being often explore what it means for something to exist in a more focused manner

Examples of usage

He studied ontology in college.
Ontology explores the nature of existence.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'ontos', meaning 'being', and 'logia', meaning 'study'.
It was first used in the 17th century, mainly in philosophy.
Philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz contributed significantly to this field in the early 1700s.

Philosophy

Ontology examines categories of being and their relationships, helping to clarify how we understand existence.
Two main branches in ontology are metaphysical and formal ontology, focusing on the nature of reality and structured concepts respectively.
Prominent philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Martin Heidegger have explored concepts of being and existence.

Science

In computer science, ontology refers to a structured framework for organizing information and knowledge.
It is used in artificial intelligence to enhance understanding of data relationships.
Ontologies help improve machine learning by providing a clear set of definitions and relationships.

Cognitive Science

Research suggests that our brain organizes information in ontological categories, aiding our understanding of the world.
Cognitive ontologies help explain how categorization shapes our perception and learning.
Ontological understanding influences language development and social interaction.

Literature

Ontology often appears in literary works to explore themes of existence and identity.
Writers like Jorge Luis Borges have delved into ontological dilemmas through fantastical narratives.
Philosophical fiction often challenges readers’ perceptions of reality and the nature of existence.

Translations

Translations of the word "ontology" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ontologia

🇮🇳 ओन्टोलॉजी

🇩🇪 Ontologie

🇮🇩 ontologi

🇺🇦 онтологія

🇵🇱 ontologia

🇯🇵 存在論 (そんざいろん)

🇫🇷 ontologie

🇪🇸 ontología

🇹🇷 ontoloji

🇰🇷 존재론

🇸🇦 علم الوجود

🇨🇿 ontologie

🇸🇰 ontológia

🇨🇳 本体论 (běntǐlùn)

🇸🇮 ontologija

🇮🇸 verufræði

🇰🇿 онтология

🇬🇪 ონტოლოგია

🇦🇿 ontologiya

🇲🇽 ontología

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,654, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13651 stroked
13652 odious
13653 abrasive
13654 ontology
13655 toleration
13656 aspire
13657 readjustment
...