How to pronounce teleology
Say it like tel-ee-OL-uh-jee. Teleology has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (OL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce teleology. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- tel
- ee
- OL
- uh
- jee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Teleology pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- telGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- OLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- jeeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of teleology
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: tee-lee-OL-uh-jee.
What does teleology mean?
- The study of the design or final purpose of natural occurrences, that is, of such occurrences being the result of intention instead of prior causes.
- Design, final purpose, or intention in a natural occurrence; (countable) an assertion or instance of this.“Their proposed explanation at the time was riddled with teleology.”
- The belief or theory that a natural occurrence is the result of divine design or intention rather than the laws of nature or science; theoteleology; (countable) a particular belief or theory of this sort.
Where does teleology come from?
Partly borrowed from French téléologie and from German Teleologie + English -logy (suffix denoting a branch of learning or study of a particular subject).
Words that rhyme with teleology
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of teleology.
Questions about saying teleology
How do you pronounce teleology?
Say tel-ee-OL-uh-jee. The American pronunciation is /ˌtɛliˈɑlədʒi/. In British English it is /ˌtiːliˈɒlədʒi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in teleology?
Teleology has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (OL). Broken into parts: tel · ee · OL · uh · jee.
Is teleology pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌtiːliˈɒlədʒi/ (tee-lee-OL-uh-jee).