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Definition fulfil in British English

fulfil verb

[transitive] verb
/fʊlˈfɪl/

The verb fulfil has only one ‘l’ in the middle (unlike the adjective full, which has a double ‘l’).

✗ Life is too short to enable man to fullfil his dreams.

✓ Life is too short to enable man to fulfil his dreams.

Note that in British English, there is one ‘l’ at the end of the verb: fulfil

In American English, there are two ‘l’s at the end: fulfill

In both British and American English, the final ‘l’ is doubled in the forms fulfilled and fulfilling:

✗ a duty that must be fulfiled

✓ a duty that must be fulfilled

1

to do a particular job, or to have a particular purpose

Example

The church fulfils a necessary role in this town.

Example

We know which part of the human brain fulfils this function.

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2

to reach a particular standard, or to have the qualities that are necessary for something

Example

Do you fulfil the entry requirements for the course?

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3

to achieve something that you wanted to do, or to get something that you hoped for

Example

The journey fulfilled a long-cherished dream.

Example

They hope to fulfil their objectives by 2004.

Example

Supporters feel that the team has not fulfilled their expectations.

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4

to do what you must do, for example as part of a job

Example

Landlords who refuse to fulfil their obligations may be liable to fines.

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4.1

to do what you have said you will do

Example

The government has failed to fulfil its election promises.

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5

to make you happy and satisfied because you are using your abilities

Example

Being a wife and mother doesn't really fulfil me.

Synonyms and related words
Definition fulfil in British English