Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/fʊlˈfɪlmənt/

Definitions

• Fulfilment (noun): The act of completing or achieving something, especially a promise, task, or desire.
• Fulfilment (noun): The state of being satisfied, especially with life or work.
• Fulfilment (noun): The process of delivering goods or services as requested, especially in business or e-commerce.

Usage Examples

• "Her fulfilment of the project was a great achievement for the team."
• "After years of hard work, he found fulfilment in his career."
• "The company focuses on timely fulfilment of customer orders."

Etymology

Originating in Middle English "fulfille," the term "fulfilment" is derived from Old French "fulfiller" and is a combination of the words "full" and "fill." The meaning has expanded over the centuries from a literal act of filling up or completing something to encompass broader ideas of personal satisfaction and achievement.

Synonyms

• Completion
• Achievement
• Realization
• Accomplishment
• Satisfaction

Antonyms

• Failure
• Neglect
• Unfulfilled
• Disappointment
• Incompletion

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciations of "fulfilment" may vary by region. For example, in American English, it is typically pronounced with a clear 'l' sound (/fʊlˈfɪlmənt/), while in British English, the 'l' might be softer, especially in non-standard dialects.

Historical Usage

The word "fulfilment" has been used for centuries, originally focusing on the completion of promises and tasks. It gradually expanded to encompass personal and emotional satisfaction, such as the fulfilment of one’s goals or life’s purpose. Over time, "fulfilment" has become a significant concept in fields like psychology, business, and personal development.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, fulfilment is tied to both individual and collective success. In Western societies, it is often viewed as the achievement of personal goals or happiness. In contrast, some Eastern philosophies view fulfilment as the alignment of individual desires with the greater good or spiritual peace. The concept of fulfilment can therefore take on both individualistic and collectivistic meanings depending on cultural context.

More Information

Fulfilment can refer to both a literal and metaphorical process. In business, it often means the completion of orders or requests. In psychology, it refers to a deeper sense of personal satisfaction or the accomplishment of life goals. In both cases, it reflects the idea of achieving a state of completeness or satisfaction, whether in external accomplishments or internal states of being.