vitalism

[ vahyt-l-iz-uhm ]

/ ˈvaɪt lˌɪz əm /

Save This Word!

the doctrine that phenomena are only partly controlled by mechanical forces, and are in some measure self-determining.Compare dynamism (def. 1), mechanism (def. 8).

Biology. a doctrine that ascribes the functions of a living organism to a vital principle distinct from chemical and physical forces.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of vitalism

First recorded in 1815–25; vital + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM vitalism

vi·tal·ist, noun, adjectivevi·tal·is·tic, adjectivevi·tal·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby vitalism

vital, vital capacity, vital force, vital function, Vitalian, vitalism, vitality, vitalize, Vitallium, vitals, vital signs

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use vitalism in a sentence

This modern vitalism comprises two essentially different tendencies.
The Wonders of Life|Ernst Haeckel
Once 'mechanism' and 'vitalism' were mutually contradictory theories regarding the ultimate constitution of living bodies.
The Foundations of Science: Science and Hypothesis, The Value of Science, Science and Method|Henri Poincar
This vitalism prevailed until about the middle of the nineteenth century.
The Riddle of the Universe at the close of the nineteenth century|Ernst Haeckel
Now, in Spencer, evolution gave us a vitalist mechanic or mechanical vitalism, and the appeal seemed cut off.
Evolution in Modern Thought|Ernst Haeckel

In this way physiology of development would lead us straight on into vitalism.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3|Various

British Dictionary definitions for vitalism

vitalism

/ (ˈvaɪtəˌlɪzəm) /

noun

the philosophical doctrine that the phenomena of life cannot be explained in purely mechanical terms because there is something immaterial which distinguishes living from inanimate matterCompare dynamism, mechanism

Derived forms of vitalism

vitalist, noun, adjectivevitalistic, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012