Telic
/ˈtɛlɪk/noun
Relating to an action, process, or state that has a goal, endpoint, or completed outcome.
Did you know?Aristotle used the Greek concept of telos to explain the final purpose toward which a thing naturally develops, a foundation of Western teleological thought.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*tel-
“A reconstructed root associated with reaching an end or completing a process; the deeper connection is debated.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
τέλος (telos)
“End, completion, fulfillment, goal, or purpose.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
τελικός (telikos)
“Of or relating to an end, purpose, or completion.”
19th Century
English
telic
“A modern English adjective formed from Greek telos, used especially in philosophy, linguistics, and grammar.”
Modern English
English
telic
“Having an inherent endpoint or expressing an action directed toward a definite result.”