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View synonyms for velleity

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

/ vɛˈliːɪtɪ /

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
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of velleity1

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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.

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

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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.”

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They have but the velleity of the eunuch.

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

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