volitional

[ voh-lish-uh-nl, vuh- ]

adjective

1. done of one’s own will or choosing; deliberately decided or chosen:

   Researchers must make a reasonable effort to obtain the express and volitional assent of their research subjects.

2. under conscious control:

   The most hopeful new development is that scientists have used artificial nerve connections to restore some volitional movement for a subject's paralyzed arm.

Other Words From

• vo·li·tion·al·ly adverb
• non·vo·li·tion·al adjective
• pre·vo·li·tion·al adjective
• un·vo·li·tion·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of volitional¹

volition ( def ) + -al ¹( def )

Example Sentences

His errors are volitional and are the portals of discovery.

From The Daily Beast

But while the imitation is at first simply automatic, it becomes more and more volitional.

From Project Gutenberg

Our feelings and emotions are the fountains from which nearly all our volitional actions flow.

From Project Gutenberg

The volitional aspect of consciousness also is to some extent explicitly provided for in language.

From Project Gutenberg

Try to ascend a single flight of stairs, performing each elementary movement by a distinct volitional impulse.

From Project Gutenberg

The volitional character of such an act is therefore manifest.

From Project Gutenberg