telic

[tel-ik, tee-lik]

adjective

1. Grammar.,  expressing end or purpose.

   a telic conjunction.

2. tending to a definite end.

telic

/ ˈtɛlɪk /

adjective

1. directed or moving towards some goal; purposeful

2. (of a clause or phrase) expressing purpose

Other Word Forms

• telically adverb
• nontelic adjective
• untelic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of telic¹

First recorded in 1840–50, telic is from the Greek word telikós pertaining to an end or cause. See tel- ², -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of telic¹

C19: from Greek telikos final, from telos end

Example Sentences

These operations, as rarefied and complex as they may have become, continue to perform the basic telic task of the second law.

From Salon

Purposive progress rather than unconscious, telic rather than genetic, is the order of the evolution of society.

From Project Gutenberg

He has learned the futility of telic endeavor, and knows the delight of drifting along with the whimsicalities of Chance.

From Project Gutenberg

They take place in the cosmic context of a naturally telic, purposive universe.

From Salon

Means of Social Progress.—There are three distinct means of telic progress.

From Project Gutenberg