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View synonyms for élan vital
élan vital
[ French ey-lahn vee-tal ]
noun
- (especially in Bergsonian philosophy) the creative force within an organism that is responsible for growth, change, and necessary or desirable adaptations.
élan vital
/ elɑ̃ vital /
noun
- a creative principle held by Henri Bergson to be present in all organisms and responsible for evolution Compare Bergsonism
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Word History and Origins
Origin of élan vital1
1905–10; < French: literally, vital ardor
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Word History and Origins
Origin of élan vital1
literally: vital impetus
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Example Sentences
Now that we know about DNA, we no longer need an elan vital.
From The Daily Beast
What is this elan-vital, that a little fall in temperature would banish altogether from the universe?
From Project Gutenberg
Compare also Bergsons elan vital, in Lvolution Cratrice, p. 100 et seq.
From Project Gutenberg
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