Reading Theme:
Fulfill Definition, Usage, and Common Mistakes (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：carry out (fulfill)
fulfill
/fʊlˈfɪl/
vt.
To do what you said you would do or what is required of you.
carry out
➕
/ˈkæri aʊt/
vt.
To do what you have promised or what is required, ensuring all obligations are met.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English fullfyllan: full (complete) + fyllan (to fill), meaning 'to fill up' or 'make full'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: 'Full fill' – when you fill something completely, you fulfill your duty or dream.
📖 Example
The project manager assured the client that our team would fulfill all our commitments by the deadline.
The project manager reassured the client that the team would complete every obligation by the deadline.
🔗 Collocations
fulfill a promise – to keep a promise made to someone
fulfill an obligation – to do what is legally or morally required
fulfill a contract – to perform all terms of a legal agreement
🔄 Synonyms
accomplish (vt.) – to achieve or complete something successfully
execute (vt.) – to carry out a plan, order, or duty
discharge (vt.) – to perform a responsibility or fulfill a duty
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
fulfillment (n.) – the act of fulfilling or state of being fulfilled
fulfilled (adj.) – satisfied or happy because of achieving something
fulfilling (adj.) – making one feel satisfied and complete
📖 Cultural Story
Originating in Old English, 'fulfill' evolved from literal filling to metaphorical completion. In modern business, it is a key term for delivering on contracts and promises, reflecting reliability and integrity.
Meaning 2：realize a dream (fulfill)
fulfill
/fʊlˈfɪl/
vt.
To achieve something you hoped for or dreamed of, making you feel complete.
realize a dream
➕
/ˈriːəlaɪz ə driːm/
vt.
To achieve something you deeply hoped for or dreamed of, bringing a sense of personal completeness.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
At the graduation ceremony, he felt a deep sense of joy, believing that university had helped him fulfill his potential.
During the graduation ceremony, he felt profound happiness, convinced that university had enabled him to realize his potential.
🔗 Collocations
fulfill a dream – to achieve a long-held ambition or wish
fulfill potential – to develop and use one's abilities to the fullest
fulfill an ambition – to succeed in doing what one strongly desired
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
fail (vi.) – to not succeed in achieving a goal
miss (vt.) – to fail to achieve or experience something
disappoint (vt.) – to fail to meet the hopes or expectations of someone
🌱 Derivatives
fulfillment (n.) – the feeling of satisfaction from achieving something
fulfilled (adj.) – feeling satisfied and happy after achieving a goal
unfulfilled (adj.) – not satisfied or achieved
Meaning 3：meet requirements (fulfill)
fulfill
/fʊlˈfɪl/
vt.
To meet a specific condition or requirement, making it sufficient.
meet requirements
➕
/miːt rɪˈkwaɪərmənts/
vt.
To satisfy a specific condition or standard, making something sufficient or acceptable.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
To apply for the scholarship, you must fulfill all the listed requirements, including a minimum GPA and a personal statement.
In order to apply for the scholarship, you must meet all the listed requirements, including a minimum GPA and a personal statement.
🔗 Collocations
fulfill requirements – to satisfy all necessary conditions or criteria
fulfill criteria – to meet specific standards set for a purpose
fulfill conditions – to comply with terms or stipulations
🔄 Synonyms
satisfy (vt.) – to meet a requirement or condition fully
meet (vt.) – to satisfy or fulfill a need, condition, or expectation
comply with (v.) – to act in accordance with a rule or order
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
fulfillment (n.) – the act of meeting requirements or conditions
fulfilled (adj.) – having met all necessary conditions
unfulfilled (adj.) – not satisfied or not carried out
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