vital principle
- noun
- /ˈvaɪtəl ˈprɪnsəpəl/
- Archaic
:
principio vital
- Many ancient cultures believed in a vital principle that animates all forms of life and connects them to the universe.
Examples
-
In some philosophies, the vital principle is seen as the force that distinguishes living beings from inanimate objects.
-
The notion of a vital principle suggests that life is governed by a unique energy inherent to all living organisms.
-
Ancient philosophers proposed a vital principle that distinguished living from nonliving matter.
-
Some early biologists argued that a vital principle was necessary to explain growth and reproduction.
-
The theory of a vital principle has largely been abandoned in modern science.
-
The vital principle of life is often debated by philosophers.
-
Many believe that the vital principles of nature are interconnected.
Synonyms
1
9.8
Old idea that a force that is not physical makes living things grow
A supposed force that makes living things grow and act
A power once thought to make living things grow and stay alive
A supposed life force that makes living things grow and change
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning of 'vital principle' is directly compositional: 'vital' (necessary for life) combined with 'principle' (foundational rule) yields a foundational rule or force important for life. While the phrase can be used in a specialized philosophical sense (a hypothetical life-governing force), that nuance is a straightforward extension of the constituents and would be inferable by a B1 learner who knows both words.
Etymology
Vital principle comes from old ideas about a special life power. People thought a hidden force made living things grow and move, so vital means 'life' and principle means a basic rule or force, which is why the phrase was used for the supposed power that makes living things different from things that are not alive.