entelechy

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Ancient Greek: en “in,” + telos “goal, or end,” + ekhein “to have,” “to be,” + eia (alt. ia) “quality or condition,”

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɛnˈtɛləki/

[edit] Noun

entelechy (plural entelechies)

1. The complete actualization and final form of a potency or potentiality, or of a conception. [Aristotelian philosophy.]
2. The final form as already in the potency or matter and awaiting actualization.
3. A particular type of motivation, need for self-determination, and inner strength directing life and growth to become all one is capable of being. It is the need to actualize one's beliefs. It is having a personal vision and being able to actualize that vision from within.
4. Something complex that emerges when you put a large number of simple objects together.

[edit] Translations

• Norwegian: enteleki
• Spanish: entelequia