fulfil
UK[fʊlˈfɪl]US[fʊlˈfɪl]
v
To achieve or realize something desired, promised, or predicted.
v
To carry out a duty or role as required, expected, or assigned.
v
To meet a requirement or condition; to satisfy.
Morpheme Breakdown
ful
fil
ful
full
fil
fill
Etymology
The word 'fulfil' is a native English compound, formed from the Old English elements 'full' and 'fyllan'. Its literal, ancient sense is "to fill up completely," a concept directly inherited from its Proto-Germanic ancestors. Over time, this concrete meaning of filling a container evolved metaphorically to encompass abstract completions, such as satisfying conditions, executing commands, or realizing potential. The modern spelling preserves this transparent logic, where to 'fulfil' is to make an expectation, promise, or purpose completely full or brought to its finished state.
Analysis
Structure: ful (full) + fil (fill)
'Ful' is from Old English 'full', meaning "complete, entire," and functions as an intensifying prefix. 'Fil' is from Old English 'fyllan', meaning "to fill, make full," and functions as the core verb root.
Examples
She worked hard to fulfil her ambition of becoming a doctor.
This procedure fulfils all the necessary safety requirements.
The company failed to fulfil its contractual obligations.