vitalism
|vi-tal-ism|
🇺🇸
/ˈvaɪtəlɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˈvɪtəlɪzəm/
belief in a life force
Etymology
'vitalism' originates from French and Latin, specifically the French word 'vitalisme' and the Latin adjective 'vitalis', where 'vita' meant 'life'.
'vitalis' in Latin developed into words like French 'vital' and 'vitalisme' (Neo‑Latin/French), and these forms eventually produced the modern English word 'vitalism'.
Initially it meant 'pertaining to life' (from Latin 'vitalis'), but over time it came to denote the doctrine that a distinct 'life force' governs living things—the modern meaning of 'vitalism'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the doctrine or belief that living organisms are governed by a special vital force or principle that is distinct from physical or chemical forces; a historical theory in biology and philosophy.
In the 19th century, vitalism was widely debated among scientists who sought to explain the nature of life.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/27 23:18