velleity

[ vuh-lee-i-tee ]

noun

, plural vel·le·i·ties.

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

velleity

/ vɛˈliːɪtɪ /

noun

1. the weakest level of desire or volition
2. a mere wish

Word History and Origins

Origin of velleity¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of velleity¹

C17: from New Latin velleitās, from Latin velle to wish

Example Sentences

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 Washington Post

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

From Washington Post

If I did so, I should be indulging in vain velleities, in which my personality, far from realising itself, would on the contrary be disintegrated and scattered.

From Project Gutenberg

They have but the velleity of the eunuch.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• affection
• appetite
• aptitude
• bias
• capability
• desire
• disposition
• impulse
• leaning
• penchant
• predilection
• predisposition
• preference
• prejudice
• proclivity
• propensity
• temperament