volition

noun

vo·​li·​tion vō-ˈli-shən How to pronounce volition (audio)
və-
1
: the power of choosing or determining : will
2
: an act of making a choice or decision
also : a choice or decision made
volitional
vō-ˈli-sh(ə-)nəl
 How to pronounce volition (audio)
və-
adjective

Did you know?

When you do something of your own volition, you do it voluntarily, which makes sense—both volition and voluntary ultimately come from the Latin velle, meaning “to wish” or “to will.” English speakers borrowed volition from French in the 17th century, using it at first to mean “an act of choosing,” a meaning Herman Melville employed in Moby-Dick (1851): “Almost simultaneously, with a mighty volition of ungraduated, instantaneous swiftness, the White Whale darted through the weltering sea.” By then, however, the word had also developed an additional meaning, “the power to choose,” which is now more common.

Examples of volition in a Sentence

Tourette's syndrome is a neurological disorder marked by recurrent tics and vocalizations that are beyond the sufferer's volition or control. left the church of her own volition, not because she was excommunicated
Recent Examples on the Web Some proponents of decriminalization say those who engage in the work of their own volition are being put further in harm’s way by efforts to curb trafficking. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024 There's been plenty of drama on American Idol this season, including multiple unexpected exits from contestants of their own volition and Perry's request for a contestant to perform with less glitter. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 2 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for volition 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'volition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Medieval Latin volition-, volitio, from Latin vol- (stem of velle to will, wish) + -ition-, -itio (as in Latin position-, positio position) — more at will

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of volition was in 1605

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Dictionary Entries Near volition

Cite this Entry

“Volition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volition. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

volition

noun
vo·​li·​tion vō-ˈlish-ən How to pronounce volition (audio)
və-
: the act or power of making one's choices or decisions : will
they do not do this of their own volition
volitional
-ˈlish-nəl How to pronounce volition (audio)
-ən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

volition

noun
vo·​li·​tion vō-ˈlish-ən, və- How to pronounce volition (audio)
1
: an act of making a choice or decision
also : a choice or decision made
2
: the power of choosing or determining

More from Merriam-Webster on volition

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