metaphysical-grounding-relation
/ˌmet.əˈfɪz.ɪ.kəl ˈɡraʊn.dɪŋ rɪˈleɪ.ʃən/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A relation in metaphysics that explains why something is true, real, or exists. It links a fact, property, or event to a deeper basis.
- They studied the grounding relation in philosophy class.
- The theory explains the grounding relation between facts.
- Not every explanation is a grounding relation.
Adinary Nuance
This phrase is more specific than cause or reason. A cause makes something happen, but a grounding relation explains why it holds or is true. Writers use it in philosophy when they mean a deeper basis, not a simple explanation.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- quan hệ nền tảng siêu hình
- Spanish
- relación de fundamento metafísico
- Chinese
- 形而上学奠基关系
- Japanese
- 形而上学的基礎づけ関係
- Korean
- 형이상학적 근거 관계
Etymology
This term is formed from Greek-rooted 'metaphysical', the English noun 'grounding', and Latin-based 'relation'. It is a modern philosophical phrase used in analytic philosophy.
Common phrases
grounding relationmetaphysical groundinggrounding factsgrounding explanation
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is metaphysical-grounding-relation a common phrase?
- No, it is a technical philosophy term. You will mostly see it in academic writing.
- How is grounding different from cause?
- A cause makes something happen. Grounding explains why something is true or real.
- Can I use this phrase in everyday English?
- Usually no. It sounds formal and philosophical, not everyday.
- What field uses this term?
- It is used in metaphysics and analytic philosophy.