English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

volition

vuh-LIHSHN

Volition (noun) means the act of consciously deciding or choosing to do something, using one's own will. Example: “She quit her job of her own volition, not because she was pushed out.”

noun
1
The act of consciously deciding or choosing to do something, using one's own will.
"She quit her job of her own volition, not because she was pushed out."
"No one forced him to apologize — it was pure volition."

How to use volition

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishChoosing to do something entirely by your own free will.

When to use it

Fairly formal — "of my own free will" is a more everyday equivalent.

Common pairings
of one's own volition act of volition

Word forms

volitions plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “volition” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She quit her job of her own _____, not because she was pushed out.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin volitio, "will," from Latin volo, "I wish" — related to "voluntary" and "volunteer."

Origin: Medieval Latin

Related words

Rhymes for volition

See all rhymes for volition →

Frequently asked questions

What does “volition” mean?

The word “volition” means the act of consciously deciding or choosing to do something, using one's own will. In plain terms, choosing to do something entirely by your own free will.

How do you pronounce “volition”?

“Volition” is pronounced vuh-LIHSHN (/voʊˈlɪʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).

How do you use “volition” in a sentence?

Here is “volition” used in a sentence: “She quit her job of her own volition, not because she was pushed out.”

What part of speech is “volition”?

“Volition” is a noun.

Where does the word “volition” come from?

The word “volition” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin volitio, "will," from Latin volo, "I wish" — related to "voluntary" and "volunteer.".

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial