autotelic

adjective

au·​to·​te·​lic ˌȯ-tō-ˈte-lik How to pronounce autotelic (audio) -ˈtē- How to pronounce autotelic (audio)
: having a purpose in and not apart from itself

Examples of autotelic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most importantly, flow is what researchers call an autotelic experience. Richard Huskey, The Conversation, 4 Jan. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Greek autotelḗs "having an end in itself, having one's own authority, final, unconditional" (from auto- auto- + -telēs, adjective derivative of télos "fulfillment, completion, end") + -ic entry 1 — more at telos

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autotelic was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near autotelic

Cite this Entry

“Autotelic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autotelic. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

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