volitional
|vo-lish-ion-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌvoʊˈlɪʃənəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌvəʊˈlɪʃənəl/
relating to the will
Etymology
'volitional' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'volitio' (from 'volo'), where 'volo' meant 'to wish' or 'to will'.
'volitional' developed from the noun 'volition' (from Latin 'volitio'/'volition-') and the adjective-forming suffix '-al'; the noun passed into Old French and Middle English as 'volicioun'/'volition' and later produced the modern English adjective 'volitional'.
Initially it was tied to the noun meaning 'the act of willing' or 'wish', but over time an adjective form emerged meaning 'relating to will' or 'performed by conscious choice', which is its modern sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to volition or the act of willing; done by conscious choice or will.
The team's volitional decision to continue despite setbacks showed their determination.
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Adjective 2
of, relating to, or involving the use of one's will (often used in psychology or physiology, e.g., volitional movement vs. reflexive movement).
Volitional movement requires conscious activation of specific muscles, unlike reflexive responses.
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Last updated: 2025/12/22 16:46