What does volitional mean?
Volitional is an adjective meaning connected with the exercise of will. It is especially useful when describing an action that results from deliberate intention rather than an automatic, involuntary, or reflexive process. In psychology and neuroscience, the term helps distinguish conscious control from behavior produced without deliberate guidance. In philosophy, it can refer more broadly to the faculty or exercise of the will. For example, a movement described as volitional is understood as something a person chooses to perform, rather than a reflex that occurs without conscious intention. The word is more formal and specialized than voluntary, which often means simply done by choice. Although voluntary may be clearer in everyday writing, volitional provides a more exact distinction between an act of willing and an action that merely happens to be possible without coercion.
adjectiveRelating to or involving the exercise of will, especially deliberate action that is not automatic or reflexive.
- Relating to or involving the exercise of will, especially action that is deliberate rather than automatic, involuntary, or reflexive.
"The study examined whether the response was volitional or simply reflexive."
"The distinction between a reflex and a volitional action was central to the lesson."
"The philosophers disputed whether human behavior can ever be fully volitional."
Volitional gives a precise name to the difference between choosing to move and moving before you have consciously decided to.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of volitional
Volitional derives from Latin voluntas, meaning “will,” through Medieval Latin volitionalis, meaning “pertaining to will.” It entered English in the early 17th century in contexts concerned with willing, intention, and voluntary action. Its Latin and English relatives include voluntary, volition, and voluntariness.
How volitional is actually used
Volitional is a formal and technical word, especially common in philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, and discussions of voluntary action. In general prose, voluntary or intentional is often more accessible.
Easily confused with volitional
Volitional describes something connected with the exercise of will, while voluntary usually emphasizes that an action is chosen rather than forced.