fulfilment
UK[fʊlˈfɪl.mənt]US[fʊlˈfɪl.mənt]
n
The achievement of something desired, promised, or predicted.
n
The meeting of a requirement, condition, or need.
n
The performance of a task, duty, or role as required, promised, or expected.
Morpheme Breakdown
ful
fil
ment
ful
full
fil
fill
ment
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'fulfilment' is a native English compound built from Germanic elements. Its core logic is the concept of "filling something until it is full," completing a metaphorical container. The Old English verb fyllan (to fill) combined with the adjective full created the verb 'fulfill,' meaning to bring to completion or to accomplish. The suffix '-ment,' borrowed from Latin via French, was later attached to form the noun, solidifying the abstract sense of the state or process of achieving completion. Thus, the journey from the concrete act of filling a vessel to the modern abstract sense of personal or contractual satisfaction is clearly traced through its constituent parts.
Analysis
Structure: ful (full) + fil (fill) + ment (noun suffix)
- ful: From Old English full, meaning "full, complete." It functions as an intensifying prefix in this compound.
- fil: From Old English fyllan, meaning "to fill." It is the core verb root.
- ment: From Latin -mentum, via Old French, denoting an action, process, or resulting state. It functions as a noun-forming suffix.
Examples
She found great personal fulfilment in her volunteer work.
The fulfilment of the order took longer than expected.
His promotion was the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.