51Թ

Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for

velleity

[ vuh-lee-i-tee ]

noun

plural velleities.
  1. volition in its weakest form.
  2. a mere wish, unaccompanied by an effort to obtain it.


velleity

/ ɛˈːɪɪ /

noun

  1. the weakest level of desire or volition
  2. a mere wish
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

51Թ History and Origins

Origin of velleity1

First recorded in 1630–40; from Medieval Latin 𾱳, equivalent to Latin velle “to be willing, want” + - -ity
Discover More

51Թ History and Origins

Origin of velleity1

C17: from New Latin 𾱳, from Latin velle to wish
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Ms. Marcus also errantly dismissed the Constitution’s separation of powers, which entrusts “all legislative powers” to Congress, as a mere velleity that should yield to executive legislation when Congress is divided.

From

It was the least effort he could spend — a velleity — to appease them and avoid being sent to the gulag, or worse.

From

There 27 is such a thing as real effective volition, and there is something which strives to be such and fails; this latter we might call “velleity.”

From

They have but the velleity of the eunuch.

From

But these velleities are foolish and venially sinful, and often on account of danger they are mortally sinful.

From

Advertisement

Related 51Թs

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement