What does volition mean?
Volition means the power to choose or will one's actions, as well as a deliberate act of choosing. It is a formal and abstract word that appears especially in philosophy, psychology, law, and religious discussion. In ordinary English, “will” is more common, but “volition” is useful when the focus is not simply on what someone wants but on the mental act or capacity behind a choice. The phrase “of one's own volition,” for example, indicates that an action was freely chosen rather than compelled. Volition can also suggest determination or a deliberate commitment, as in describing someone as acting with unusual strength of volition. Although its Latin ancestry is often obscured in everyday speech, the word gives precise expression to the idea that choosing freely is itself a meaningful human capacity.
nounVolition is the faculty or power of choosing, willing, or determining one's actions. It can also refer to an act of willing or choice made deliberately.
- The power or faculty of making a choice or determining one's actions.
- An act of willing or a deliberate choice.
"She left of her own volition, though she knew the decision would be difficult."
"The defendant claimed that he had acted under his own volition rather than under threat."
"Her decision to continue the experiment reflected a rare strength of volition."
The plural is rare and is used chiefly for separate acts or expressions of willing.
"The character struggled between conflicting volitions."
From the Latin “I wish, I will,” volition names the power that turns an intention into a deliberate choice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does volition come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century from Latin volitio, a noun meaning “the act of willing” or “will.” Latin volitio was formed from volo, meaning “I wish” or “I will,” the same root found in voluntas, voluntary, and volunteer. English developed the word into an abstract noun for both the power of willing and the act of making a deliberate choice.
Related word forms
How volition is actually used
Volition is more formal and abstract than “will.” It is especially common in philosophical, psychological, legal, and religious contexts, where it emphasizes the capacity or process of willing rather than the will itself.
Easily confused with volition
Volition is the noun meaning the power or act of willing, whereas volitional is the adjective relating to that power or act.