élan vital

[ French ey-lahn vee-tal ]

noun

1. (especially in Bergsonian philosophy) the creative force within an organism that is responsible for growth, change, and necessary or desirable adaptations.

élan vital

/ elɑ̃ vital /

noun

1. a creative principle held by Henri Bergson to be present in all organisms and responsible for evolution Compare Bergsonism

Word History and Origins

Origin of élan vital¹

1905–10; < French: literally, vital ardor

Word History and Origins

Origin of élan vital¹

literally: vital impetus

Example Sentences

Bergson describes an élan vital—a living impetus—determining such phenomena.

From Project Gutenberg

The "élan vital" of Bergson and the theory of Joad are modern reiterations of this conception.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet I can see no ground, except a desire to flatter oneself, for not crediting the élan vital with some such digestive intention.

From Project Gutenberg

Their élan vital is no longer theirs, for in this rough world to live is to kill.

From Project Gutenberg

Libido: Life-force, élan vital, or (restricted) the energy of the sex-instinct.

From Project Gutenberg