teleologically.

By explaining something in terms of an aim, end, or supposed purpose.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• explained teleologically
• understood teleologically

On the page

The process should not be explained teleologically merely because its eventual outcome was beneficial.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: Invariable adverb. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: analysis, interpretation, qualification. Commonness: uncommon.