teleological

[ tel-ee-uh-loj-i-kuhl, tee-lee- ]

/ ˌtɛl i əˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl, ˌti li- /

Save This Word!

adjective Philosophy.

of or relating to teleology, the philosophical doctrine that final causes, design, and purpose exist in nature.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Sometimes tel·e·o·log·ic .

Origin of teleological

tel·e·o·log·i·cal·ly, adverbnon·tel·e·o·log·i·cal, adjectivenon·tel·e·o·log·i·cal·ly, adverb

Finally, Obama weighed in with his teleological view of the historical process, revealing a rather optimistic and Whiggish view.
On ‘Hardball,’ Obama Touts HealthCare.gov, Dodges Clinton-Biden Talk|Ben Jacobs|December 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In the face of such teleological heft, there is often little to do but grab your board and head for the beach.
Awesome Surf Art|Brian Thomas Gallagher|July 1, 2010|DAILY BEAST
The pointy undergarment reached its teleological conclusion in 1990, when Gaultier designed the rocket cone bra for Madonna.
Bra of the Century|Rebecca Dana|June 15, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Many, perhaps, will see an additional cause in teleological considerations, aiming at the avoidance of in-and-in breeding.
The Sexual Life of the Child|Albert Moll

The character of the entire point of view is personal, human, teleological, ethical.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy|Isaac Husik
It remains then that the cause of the teleological life of the sublunar world is an immaterial power, a separate intellect.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy|Isaac Husik
It is this teleological unfolding of activity that constitutes any object or phenomenon an "animate" fact.
The Theory of the Leisure Class|Thorstein Veblen
Yet in spite of all this Philo uses quite an elaborate teleological argument drawn from the order in the world.
The Basis of Early Christian Theism|Lawrence Thomas Cole