teleology
/ˌtɛl.iˈɒl.ə.dʒi/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The study or idea that things have a purpose or goal built into them. In philosophy, it asks why something exists or happens, not only how.
- The professor explained teleology in simple terms.
- Her essay discussed teleology in nature.
- Some thinkers reject teleology in science.
Adinary Nuance
Teleology is close to words like purpose, goal, and intention, but it is more formal and more philosophical. Use it when you mean a theory about purpose in things, not just a person's aim. In academic writing, it often sounds more precise than saying something has a 'reason'.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- mục đích luận
- Spanish
- teleología
- Chinese
- 目的论
- Japanese
- 目的論
- Korean
- 목적론
Etymology
Teleology comes from Greek telos, meaning 'end' or 'purpose', and -logia, meaning 'study'. It entered English in the 18th century.
Common phrases
teleological argumentteleological explanationteleological viewteleological thinking
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is teleology a common everyday word?
- No. It is mainly used in philosophy, theology, and academic writing.
- What is the difference between teleology and purpose?
- Purpose is a simple everyday word. Teleology is the idea that purpose is built into things or events.
- Can I use teleology in IELTS writing?
- Yes, if your topic is academic or philosophical. It sounds formal and precise.
- Is teleology used in science?
- Sometimes, but often in a critical way. Scientists may discuss it when rejecting purpose-based explanations.