volitional

American  

[voh-lish-uh-nl, vuh-] / voʊˈlɪʃ ə nl, və- /

Rarely volitionary

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonvolitional
  adjective
• prevolitional
  adjective
• unvolitional
  adjective
• volitionally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of volitional

volition ( def. ) + -al ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

Something volitional is done on purpose, like deciding to walk to the library to return your overdue books. When someone does something of their own volition, it means they meant to do it. Likewise, volitional acts are also things done deliberately. Most of our actions are volitional — you likely meant to go to the store, watch your favorite TV show, or hang out with your friends. If someone forces you to do something, it is not a volitional act. The root is the Latin word for "I wish," volo.

Example Sentences

Any specific thought, such as communicating a sentence through a BCI, is a more complex process that requires volitional effort.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2023

By around age 6 months, sucking has largely transitioned to a volitional action, as a result of greater involvement by the cerebral cortex.

From Washington Post • Jan. 28, 2023

A planned frolic that features joyful dancing to the compulsive rhythms of a string band forgets that the conditions behind this festivity aren’t volitional.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2022

The words “against the person of another,” she wrote, requires volitional conduct and “demands that the perpetrator direct his action at, or target, another individual.”

From New York Times • Jun. 10, 2021

Surely the constitutional bent of your emotional and volitional preference.

From Is civilization a disease? by Coit, Stanton