Completeness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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completeness
[kəmˈpliːtnəs ]
Definitions
quality of being complete
Completeness refers to the state or quality of being whole, finished, or total. It signifies the absence of any missing parts or elements.
Synonyms
entirety, perfection, wholeness.
Examples of usage
- The completeness of the project was crucial for its success.
- She questioned the completeness of the data provided in the report.
philosophical concept
In philosophy, completeness is often used to describe a system that has all the necessary elements and is self-contained. It can also refer to the idea of a system being internally consistent and coherent.
Synonyms
coherence, consistency, integrity.
Examples of usage
- The philosopher argued for the completeness of his theory.
- The completeness of the argument was essential for its validity.
to finish or make whole
As a verb, completeness can mean the act of finishing or making something whole. It implies the process of bringing all parts together to achieve a unified whole.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She worked tirelessly to completeness the task before the deadline.
- The artist strived to completeness the painting with intricate details.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In set theory, completeness refers to a property where every subset of a set has a supremum (least upper bound).
- The completeness axiom is a fundamental principle in real analysis that states every non-empty set of real numbers that is bounded above has a least upper bound.
- In mathematical logic, completeness signifies that if a statement is true, there is a proof for it within a given system.
Philosophy
- Philosophers often discuss the completeness of human knowledge, questioning whether it's possible to know everything.
- Aristotle believed that a complete set of knowledge would provide an individual with the ability to understand the universe fully.
- The concept of completeness can also relate to moral philosophy, emphasizing the idea that a fulfilled life includes all ethical dimensions.
Literature
- In storytelling, completeness refers to the resolution of plots and character arcs, leaving readers feeling satisfied.
- Herman Melville’s 'Moby Dick' explores existential themes where the quest for completeness often leads to tragedy.
- Completeness can also be a motif in poetry, emphasizing wholeness and fulfillment in human experiences.
Psychology
- The idea of completeness plays a role in self-actualization, where achieving personal goals and potential leads to a sense of fulfillment.
- Gestalt psychology emphasizes completeness in perception, proposing that humans perceive whole forms rather than just a collection of parts.
- In cognitive development, achieving completeness in understanding can signify a critical milestone in a child's learning journey.
Origin of 'completeness'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'completeness' comes from the Latin root 'completus', which means 'filled up' or 'finished'.
- It is formed by adding the suffix '-ness' to the word 'complete', indicating a state or quality.
- The transition in usage of this word has been documented back to the 14th century in English.
The word 'completeness' originated from the Middle English word 'completenesse', which came from the Old French word 'completude'. The concept of completeness has been discussed in various disciplines, including philosophy, mathematics, and psychology, emphasizing the importance of wholeness and totality in different contexts.
See also: complete, completed, completely, completer, completing, completion, incomplete, incompletely, uncompleted.