teleology

noun/ˌtɛliˈɒlədʒi/

Frequency rank: #19,784 of 20,003 in the WORDED list (wordfreq data)

Meaning

The philosophical study of purpose, goals, or ends as the explanation for natural phenomena or human action.

Illustration for the English word “teleology”

Example sentence

The philosopher explained that teleology is the study of purpose and design in nature.

Synonyms & related words

  • purposivism
  • finalism
  • intentionalism

More words in ranks 19,701–19,800