velleity

noun vel·le·i·ty \ve-ˈlē-ə-tē, və-\

plural vel·le·i·ties

Definition of VELLEITY

: the lowest degree of volition

: a slight wish or tendency : inclination

New Latin velleitas, from Latin velle to wish, will — more at will

First Known Use: 1618

Next Word in the Dictionary: vellicatePrevious Word in the Dictionary: velleda mothAll Words Near: velleity

What made you want to look up velleity? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears