final cause

American  

noun

Aristotelianism.

1. cause8b

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final cause British  

noun

1. philosophy the end or purpose of a thing or process, as opposed to its efficient cause See cause

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Etymology

Origin of final cause

First recorded in 1350–1400

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

final cause

The leading pathologist said the final cause of death was "not clear" due to the numerous injuries that could have led to Alfie's death.

From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2023

Scientists will determine the final cause of death based on pending lab results.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 8, 2023

The next day, Mr. Ketler’s body was taken to the city’s morgue, where the final cause of death was established.

From New York Times ● Jul. 3, 2022

Each final cause leads to another, until we get to the first cause or prime mover.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 15, 2022

Thus a tadpole has the form of a juvenile frog, and its goal, its final cause, is to become an adult frog.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

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Related Words

• purpose

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