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velleity
[ vuh-lee-i-tee ]
/ vəˈli ɪ ti /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun, plural vel·le·i·ties.
volition in its weakest form.
a mere wish, unaccompanied by an effort to obtain it.
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Origin of velleity
First recorded in 1630–40; from Medieval Latin velleitās, equivalent to Latin velle “to be willing, want” + -itās -ity
Words nearby velleity
velic, veliger, Velikiye Luki, velitation, velites, velleity, vellicate, Vellore, vellum, vellus hair, Velma
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use velleity in a sentence
How would it be possible to resist the will of God, supposing of course that it was his real will, not a mere velleity?
The Essence of Christianity|Ludwig FeuerbachBut the desire by way of simple velleity may not be put into a proper prayer, when there is no hope.
A Christian Directory (Part 2 of 4)|Richard Baxter
British Dictionary definitions for velleity
velleity
/ (vɛˈliːɪtɪ) /
noun plural -ties rare
the weakest level of desire or volition
a mere wish
Word Origin for velleity
C17: from New Latin velleitās, from Latin velle to wish
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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