What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
philosopher
Example
Plato was a famous philosopher who wrote extensively on ethics and politics. [philosopher: noun]
Example
She spent hours philosophizing about the meaning of life and the purpose of human existence. [philosophizing: verb]
thinker
Example
As a thinker, he was always questioning assumptions and seeking new perspectives. [thinker: noun]
Example
She spent hours thinking about how to improve the design of the product. [thinking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thinker is more commonly used than philosopher in everyday language. Thinker is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while philosopher is less common and often associated with academic or scholarly pursuits.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between philosopher and thinker?
Philosopher is typically associated with a more formal and academic tone, while thinker can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be employed in a wider range of situations.
