In Aristotelian philosophy, the actualization or realization of potential; the state of something being in action or operation.
From ancient Greek 'ἐνέργεια' (energeia) meaning 'activity' or 'actuality,' from 'en-' (in) plus 'ergon' (work, action). Aristotle used this term to contrast with 'potentia' (potential).
Energeia literally means 'in-work-ness,' and Aristotle used it to explain why a seed isn't a plant yet but a flowering plant is—potential versus actual energy, a distinction that shaped Western philosophy.
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