Fulfilled
/fʊlˈfɪld/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cause something to happen or be realized; to satisfy a requirement or obligation; to feel happy and satisfied.
/fʊlˈfɪld/
To bring to completion or reality; achieve.
He fulfilled his promise to visit his grandmother.
💡 Simply: When you fulfill something, you make it happen, just like when you complete a promise, a dream, or a task. Think about a child who promised their mom they'd clean their room. When they do it, they've fulfilled their promise!
👶 For kids: To make something happen, like when you finish your homework!
More Examples
The project was fulfilled ahead of schedule.
She felt fulfilled by her career.
How It's Used
"She fulfilled her dream of becoming a doctor."
"The company fulfilled the contract requirements."
"He felt fulfilled by his volunteer work."
Feeling pleased and satisfied because you are doing something that is important or useful
/fʊlˈfɪld/
Feeling or expressing happiness or satisfaction.
He felt fulfilled by his contributions to the charity.
💡 Simply: When you feel like you're doing something that makes you really happy and satisfied, like a hobby you love or a job you're good at, you're feeling fulfilled! It's like your life is full and rich, with meaning.
👶 For kids: Feeling happy and good because you're doing something important.
More Examples
She looked back on her career and felt fulfilled.
They lived a long and fulfilled life.
How It's Used
"She described herself as feeling fulfilled in her role."
"They led a fulfilled life together."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
self-fulfilling prophecy
A belief that causes itself to come true.
"The manager's negative expectations led to the team's poor performance, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy."
From Middle English fulfille, from Old English fullfyllan (“to fill full, accomplish”), equivalent to full + fill. The modern spelling with one 'l' is the result of simplification.
The word 'fulfilled' has consistently related to completion and satisfaction since the 14th century.
Memory tip
Imagine a full cup; you've *filled* it and now it's complete.