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Glite Dictionary
gymnosophical

gymnosophical

9.9
About ancient Hindu or Buddhist thinkers who lived simply and meditated
  • adjective
  • /ˌdʒɪm.nəˈsɒf.ɪ.kəl/
  • Formal
: gimnosófico
  • The gymnosophical practices of the ascetics fascinated early European travelers to India.

Examples

  • The gymnosophical practices of the ascetics included long periods of meditation and self-reflection.

  • Many gymnosophical teachings emphasize meditation.

  • His study delved into the gymnosophical traditions of Eastern philosophy.

  • She admired the gymnosophical wisdom espoused by ancient sages.

  • The ancient texts often describe gymnosophical practices.

  • His study delved into the gymnosophical traditions of ancient thinkers known for meditation and asceticism.

  • She admired the gymnosophical wisdom that ancient Hindu philosophers shared with their followers.

Surface Forms

gymnosophical positive

Morphology

gymnosophical = gymnosophy (opaque) = gymnosophy + ical

Formed from the rare noun 'gymnosophy' + the adjective-forming suffix '-ical'; the base and combining parts are obscure to typical learners, so meaning is not derivable from familiar English morphemes.

Etymology

Gymnosophical comes from Greek roots gymnos 'naked' and sophia 'wisdom', the same soph you see in philosophy. It brings to mind ancient wise people who lived very simply, sometimes without clothes, and used strict self-control and meditation to find wisdom. So, gymnosophical describes the ideas or practices of those simple, wisdom-seeking teachers.