1
: tending toward an end or outcome
2
of verbs : characterizing an action that moves toward a goal

Word History

Etymology

Greek telikos, from telos end — more at telos

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of telic was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near telic

Cite this Entry

“Telic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telic. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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