horme: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareTechnical (Psychology, Philosophy, Education)
Quick answer
What does “horme” mean?
An intrinsic drive or vital energy, especially an unconscious striving toward a goal or purpose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An intrinsic drive or vital energy, especially an unconscious striving toward a goal or purpose.
In psychology and philosophy, it refers to a vital impulse or striving tendency considered as the basis of behavior and instinct, often associated with a driving force towards self-realization or a specific aim.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant national differences. The term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
The word carries a dated, scholarly connotation. It is not used in modern mainstream psychology.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both BrE and AmE. Use is confined to historical academic discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “horme” in a Sentence
The horme (of N) towards/to (for) NN's horme to VVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “horme” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [N/A - 'horme' is a noun only]
American English
- [N/A - 'horme' is a noun only]
adverb
British English
- [N/A]
American English
- [N/A]
adjective
British English
- [N/A - the adjective is 'hormic']
American English
- [N/A - the adjective is 'hormic']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical/philosophical psychology texts to discuss innate behavioral drives, especially in educational contexts (e.g., Montessori).
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The primary context. Refers to a postulated inner, purposive force directing growth and behavior in certain psychological theories.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “horme”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “horme”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “horme”
- Spelling confusion with 'hormone'.
- Using it in contemporary, non-academic contexts.
- Pronouncing it as /hɔːrm/ (like 'hormone').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are unrelated. 'Hormone' comes from Greek 'hormōn' (to set in motion), while 'horme' is from Greek 'hormē' (impulse, assault). The similarity is coincidental.
Only if you are studying the history of psychology or philosophy, particularly the works of McDougall or Montessori. It is not useful for general English.
The adjective is 'hormic', as in 'hormic psychology'.
Very rarely. It is typically a non-count (mass) noun referring to the abstract concept of striving. The plural 'hormes' is theoretically possible but almost never attested.
An intrinsic drive or vital energy, especially an unconscious striving toward a goal or purpose.
Horme is usually technical (psychology, philosophy, education) in register.
Horme: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɔːmi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɔːrmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms exist for this rare term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HORSE ("HOR") with immense energy ("ME") — it's driven by a powerful inner HORME to run.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE FORCE IS AN INTERNAL ENGINE; PURPOSIVE ACTION IS A DIRECTED FORCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'horme' primarily used?