say what?

Posted by mountainmelody On 11/14/2008 02:37:00 PM
I read the word entelechy in a book and wasn't sure what it meant. So I looked it up.

Here's the oh-so-helpful definition from m-w.com:

1: the actualization of form-giving cause as contrasted with potential existence

2: a hypothetical agency not demonstrable by scientific methods that in some vitalist doctrines is considered an inherent regulating and directing force in the development and functioning of an organism

If I wrote like this in my dissertation, I think (hope) my professors would ask for a re-write.
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3 Responses to 'say what?'

  1. Crystal Watford said...
    6:17 PM

    Sounds like someone wanted to sound important! :)

     

  2. Melissa said...
    6:48 AM

    Good grief. M-W.com has failed us miserably! Or maybe I'm just not smart enough to read the dictionary. A startling possibility. Sheesh. I'm going to go lie down. ;)

     

  3. Latane Barton said...
    8:30 AM

    My gosh.... what were they thinking? That's a word I will never use. ha ha

     

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