'aristotelic' originates from Greek via Latin, specifically the name 'Aristoteles' (Greek Ἀριστοτέλης), where 'aristos' meant 'best' and 'telos' meant 'end' or 'purpose', and from the Latin adjective form 'Aristotelicus' with the suffix '-icus' (equivalent to English '-ic').

'aristotelic' changed from the Late Latin word 'Aristotelicus' (and related Medieval Latin/Old French formations) and eventually became the modern English word 'aristotelic' through usage in Medieval and Early Modern English.

Initially, it meant 'of or relating to Aristotle (the person)', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'characteristic of Aristotle's philosophy or methods'.