telic
Americanadjective
-
Grammar. expressing end or purpose.
a telic conjunction.
-
tending to a definite end.
adjective
-
directed or moving towards some goal; purposeful
-
(of a clause or phrase) expressing purpose
Other Word Forms
- nontelic adjective
- telically adverb
- untelic adjective
Etymology
Origin of telic
First recorded in 1840–50, telic is from the Greek word telikós pertaining to an end or cause. See tel- 2, -ic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
So there’s what I would call a telic value in trying to achieve these good consequences.
From Slate • May 27, 2020
They take place in the cosmic context of a naturally telic, purposive universe.
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2013
Purposive progress rather than unconscious, telic rather than genetic, is the order of the evolution of society.
From Society Its Origin and Development by Rowe, Henry Kalloch
He has learned the futility of telic endeavor, and knows the delight of drifting along with the whimsicalities of Chance.
From The Road by London, Jack
Certain families may definitely determine to modify their habits, and within a few years accomplish a telic change.
From Society Its Origin and Development by Rowe, Henry Kalloch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
