- Today's Word
Velleity
[vuh-LEE-i-tee]
Definition
- (noun) A wish, inclination, or slight desire for something, but one that is not strong enough to lead to action. It’s often used to describe a fleeting or half-hearted desire.
Example
Tom had a velleity to start exercising regularly, but he never quite managed to overcome his inertia and actually join a gym.
Fun Fact
The word “velleity” comes from the Latin “velle,” meaning “to wish” or “to will.” It entered the English language in the early 17th century. Interestingly, it’s related to the more common word “volition,” which refers to the act of making a conscious choice or decision. “Velleity” represents a much weaker form of desire than volition, capturing that feeling of wanting something but not enough to act on it. It’s a sophisticated word that precisely describes a common human experience, making it a favorite among writers and vocabulary enthusiasts.
(adjective) Relating to or characterized by excessive devotion to sensual pleasure and luxury.
The retreat was unapologetically sybaritic — every surface chosen for how it felt, every meal an event, every hour structured around pleasure so deliberately it became its own kind of discipline.