SYNTHETICAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does synthetical mean? 

• SYNTHETICAL (adjective)
  The adjective SYNTHETICAL has 2 senses:

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

2. of a proposition whose truth value is determined by observation or facts

  Familiarity information: SYNTHETICAL used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SYNTHETICAL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

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

Synonyms:

synthetic; synthetical

Context example:

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

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))

Sense 2

Meaning:

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

Synonyms:

synthetic; synthetical

Context example:

'all men are arrogant' is a synthetic proposition

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)