volition
UK: vəˈlɪʃ(ə)n | US: voʊˈlɪʃ(ə)n
n. the power or faculty of choosing or determining; will
n. a conscious choice or decision
volition = vol<will> + ition<noun suffix>
- vol (from Latin volo "I wish, I will")
- ition (Latin-derived noun suffix indicating action or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word volition traces back to Latin volitio ("act of willing"), derived from volo ("I wish"). It entered English in the early 17th century, retaining its core sense of deliberate choice. The morpheme vol- appears in related terms like voluntary and benevolent, consistently conveying the idea of will or intent. The suffix -ition (as in addition, condition) abstracts the act into a noun. The word’s evolution reflects a logical shift from raw desire (volo) to the formal capacity for decision-making (volition).
She left the job of her own volition, not under pressure.
The act was performed with full volition and awareness.
His volition seemed weakened after the injury.
Volition is a key concept in psychology and philosophy.
Without volition, the action cannot be considered intentional.