Velleity

/vɛˈliːɪti/ noun

Definition

The weakest degree of desire or volition; a mere wish without action.

Etymology

Latin 'velleitas.' Triple appearance because it's the word nobody knows but everybody experiences daily.

Kelly Says

Third mention because THIS is the most relatable word ever! 'I should learn French.' 'I should exercise.' 'I should call my mom.' All velleities until you actually DO them! Turn your velleities into verbs! 💭→💪

Translations

ARالعربية
إرادة
Irādah
CSČeština
přání
Přání
DADansk
længsel
Længsel
DEDeutsch
Velleität
Fəleːiˈtɛːt
ELΕλληνικά
επιθυμία
Epithymía
ESEspañol
velleidad
Bejeidad
FISuomi
himokkaus
Himokkaus
FRFrançais
velleité
Vəleite
HEעברית
רצון
Ratzon
HIहिन्दी
इच्छा
Ichchhā
HUMagyar
vágy
Vágy
IDBahasa Indonesia
keinginan
Keinginan
ITItaliano
velleità
Veleità
JA日本語
ヴェレィティー
Veritī
KO한국어
벨레이티
Belreiti
NLNederlands
velleïteit
Veleit
NONorsk
lengsel
Lengsel
PLPolski
skłonność
Skłonność
PTPortuguês
velleidade
Veleidade
RORomână
dorință
Dorință
RUРусский
веллеит
Velleit
SVSvenska
velleitet
Veleitet
THไทย
ความปรารถนา
Khwām prārthnā
TRTürkçe
istemek
İstemek
UKУкраїнська
бажання
Bažannya
VITiếng Việt
mong muốn
Mong muốn
ZH中文
微意
Wēi yì

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Often deployed gendered critique of women's 'mere wishes' without action, suggesting women lack follow-through. Applied less frequently or critically to men's similar behavior.

Inclusive Usage

Use to describe the actual cognitive state—weak desire or intention without commitment—neutrally and consistently across genders.

Inclusive Alternatives

["weak intention","half-hearted desire","uncommitted interest"]

Related Words

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