What does volens mean?
Volens is a rare English adjective borrowed from Latin, where it is the present participle of volō, meaning “I wish” or “I am willing.” In English, volens describes a person who is willing, consenting, or inclined to perform an action. It has a strongly literary or legal tone and is much less common than willing, which is its usual modern equivalent. The expression most likely to preserve the word is volens nolens, a Latin phrase commonly translated as “willing or unwilling” or “whether willing or not.” It refers to an action or outcome that occurs regardless of the participants’ consent or intention. Volens can be useful in formal or historical writing because it conveys not merely willingness but the idea of acting with a conscious intention. In ordinary conversation, however, using willing or consenting would usually be clearer and more natural.
adjectiveWilling or wishing; consenting to an action.
- Willing, consenting, or inclined to undertake an action.
"The traveller entered the dangerous cave volens, fully aware of the risks involved."
"The traveller entered the dangerous cave volens, fully aware of the risks involved."
"The decision was made volens nolens, whether or not everyone involved consented."
Volens survives most vividly in the Latin phrase volens nolens—“willing or not”—for things done regardless of consent or intention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of volens
The English word comes from Latin volēns, the present active participle of volō, “I wish” or “I am willing.” Latin volō belongs to the Indo-European root *wel-, associated with wishing or will. Related English words include voluntary, volunteer, volition, and voluptuous.
How volens is actually used
This is a rare literary and legal borrowing from Latin rather than an ordinary English adjective. It is chiefly encountered in formal Latin expressions, especially volens nolens.