Vitalist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌱

Add to dictionary

vitalist

[ˈvʌɪt(ə)lɪst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

philosophy

A vitalist is someone who believes that living organisms are fundamentally different from non-living entities because they contain some non-physical element or are governed by different principles.

Synonyms

animist, life force proponent, vital force advocate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vitalist	This term is often used in scientific, philosophical, or medical discussions to describe someone who believes in vitalism, the theory that life is governed by a special force beyond physical and chemical processes. The researcher, a well-known vitalist, argued that the phenomenon could not be explained by current biological theories.
animist	Animist refers to someone who believes that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. This term is commonly used in the context of discussing indigenous religions and spiritual practices. In the remote village, many people are animists, believing that the forest spirits protect their community.
vital force advocate	Similar to 'life force proponent,' this term specifically highlights advocacy. It is often used in contexts where individuals are actively promoting or disputing the existence of a vital force in life sciences or alternative medicine. The vital force advocate faced criticism from the broader scientific community for her unconventional views.
life force proponent	This phrase is useful in general discussions to refer to someone who advocates for the idea that a non-physical force is essential to life. It can be used in various contexts, such as holistic health, new-age philosophies, or alternative medicine. The life force proponent explained the benefits of energy healing to the audience.

Examples of usage

Many vitalists reject the idea of reductionism in biology, arguing that life cannot be fully explained by physical and chemical processes alone.
Vitalists often emphasize the role of a vital force or energy in living organisms.
Some vitalists believe in the existence of a soul or spirit that animates living things.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical

In the 19th century, vitalists were proponents of the theory that living organisms are fundamentally different from non-living entities.

Synonyms

life principle advocate, vitalism supporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vitalist	Used to describe someone who believes in the theory that life is governed by a vital principle distinct from biochemical reactions. He was known as a vitalist due to his writings on the essence of life. The vitalist argued that mechanistic explanations were insufficient to understand living organisms.
vitalism supporter	Used to describe someone who backs the philosophy of vitalism, often in discussions or debates about life sciences or philosophy. The panel included a vocal vitalism supporter who challenged the traditional scientific viewpoints. She became a vitalism supporter after studying the limitations of reductionist approaches in biology.
life principle advocate	Used in a formal or educational setting to refer to someone who supports the idea that a special essence or force drives living beings. In his lecture, the professor introduced himself as a life principle advocate. The life principle advocate presented compelling arguments at the biology symposium.

Word

Description / Examples

vitalist

Used to describe someone who believes in the theory that life is governed by a vital principle distinct from biochemical reactions.

He was known as a vitalist due to his writings on the essence of life.
The vitalist argued that mechanistic explanations were insufficient to understand living organisms.

vitalism supporter

Used to describe someone who backs the philosophy of vitalism, often in discussions or debates about life sciences or philosophy.

The panel included a vocal vitalism supporter who challenged the traditional scientific viewpoints.
She became a vitalism supporter after studying the limitations of reductionist approaches in biology.

life principle advocate

Used in a formal or educational setting to refer to someone who supports the idea that a special essence or force drives living beings.

In his lecture, the professor introduced himself as a life principle advocate.
The life principle advocate presented compelling arguments at the biology symposium.

Examples of usage

The vitalist movement gained popularity in the 1800s, with many scientists and philosophers subscribing to its principles.
Vitalists believed that life could not be reduced to purely mechanical or chemical processes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'vitalist'

The concept of vitalism has a long history, dating back to ancient times when philosophers and scientists pondered the nature of life and the difference between living and non-living things. Vitalism gained prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries as a reaction to mechanistic views of life promoted by scientists like René Descartes and Isaac Newton. While vitalism has largely fallen out of favor in mainstream science, it continues to influence philosophical and metaphysical discussions about the nature of life and consciousness.

See also: vitality, vitalization, vitalize, vitalized.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,947, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

...
37944 pertly
37945 detractor
37946 kleptomania
37947 vitalist
37948 begrudging
37949 burping
37950 balefully
...