τελείως

teleíōs

G5049 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

In a complete or perfect manner; fully, wholly, without deficiency. As an adverb, τελείως expresses the sense of something being accomplished in full, brought to finality, or done without falling short. In some contexts, it conveys the idea of unwavering commitment or enduring completely (as in acts of faith or hope), while in others it describes the achievement of a state or goal in the fullest sense.

Semantic Range

completely, wholly, fully, perfectly, without deficiency, to full effect, to the end

Root / Etymology

From the adjective τέλειος ('complete, perfect, mature'), itself from the root τελ- ('end, completion'). The adverbial suffix -ως forms adverbs of manner, so τελείως means 'in a complete/perfect manner.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

τελείως appears rarely in classical Greek, but is documented in later Hellenistic and Koine sources, including the New Testament (e.g., 1 Peter 1:13), where it modifies actions or attitudes as being without shortcoming or in entirety. The underlying sense in Koine contexts often amplifies the notion of completion or perfection, rather than mere intensity. The standard translation 'completely' usually captures the sense, though the nuance of 'perfectly' or 'fully to the intended goal' may be significant, especially in contexts of ethical exhortation or spiritual discipline. Unlike related adverbs such as παντελῶς ('altogether, absolutely'), τελείως carries the implication of achieving the intended telos (end, purpose). English translations may at times understate this aspect of finality or actualization implicit in the word.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

adverb from τέλειος; completely, i.e. (of hope) without wavering:--to the end.

Root Family

τελείως (teleiōs) — completely, fully, perfectly, to completion

Root τελ- to complete, to bring to an end, to perfect

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5049-01 τελείως teleios ADV completely fully completely 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5049-01 1 Peter 1:13 τελείως teleios ADV completely fully completely