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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- volitions
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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."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for volition
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
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.".
