Atelic
/əˈtɛlɪk/noun
Referring to actions or states that do not have a defined endpoint or goal.
Did you know?In ancient philosophy, atelic actions were seen as reflections of the chaotic nature of existence, where purpose is elusive and time unfixed.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀτελής (atelēs)
“Without end, incomplete, or unfulfilled.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
atelicus
“Pertaining to actions without an aim or goal.”
18th Century
English
atelic
“Adopted into English to describe actions lacking a specific endpoint.”
Modern English
English
atelic
“Used in contemporary discourse to discuss aspects of actions and states in philosophical and linguistic contexts.”