Library / English Dictionary

SYNTHETICAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of a proposition whose truth value is determined by observation or facts

Example:

'all men are arrogant' is a synthetic proposition

Synonyms:

synthetic; synthetical

Classified under:

Adjectives

Also:

a posteriori (involving reasoning from facts or particulars to general principles or from effects to causes)

inductive (of reasoning; proceeding from particular facts to a general conclusion)

logical (capable of or reflecting the capability for correct and valid reasoning)

Domain category:

logic (the branch of philosophy that analyzes inference)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Involving or of the nature of synthesis (combining separate elements to form a coherent whole) as opposed to analysis

Example:

limnology is essentially a synthetic science composed of elements...that extend well beyond the limits of biology

Synonyms:

synthetic; synthetical

Classified under:

Adjectives

Derivation:

synthesis (reasoning from the general to the particular (or from cause to effect))

synthesis (the combination of ideas into a complex whole)

synthesis (the process of producing a chemical compound (usually by the union of simpler chemical compounds))

Credits