Download
Translate Files
search close
    https://lingvanex.com/translate/ Translate Text https://app.lingvanex.com/ Translate Files

    Velléité (en. Want)

    /vɛ.le.ite/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    noun
    A desire or intention that is not accompanied by a real willingness to achieve it.
    His mere volition to travel is not enough to change his life.
    Sa seule velléité de voyager ne suffit pas à changer sa vie.
    A weak desire, a fleeting inclination.
    He had a volition to write, but he never got around to it.
    Il avait une velléité d'écrire, mais jamais il ne s'y attela.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'velleitas', derived from 'velle' meaning 'to want'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    to have volitions
    To have desires or intentions without taking action.
    avoir des velléités
    to be wishy-washy about one's volitions
    To express a will without any concrete effect.
    vivaldi de ses velléités

    Related Words

    wishy-washy
    Describes a person who has volitions but little willpower.
    vélléitaire
    desire
    A feeling of wanting or needing something.
    désir
    intention
    A planning or project of action.
    intention

    Slang Meanings

    To have an abundance of volitions
    He has plenty of volitions but does nothing to act.
    Il en a plein les velléités mais ne fait rien pour agir.
    To make volitions
    She is wishy-washy about the idea of moving but hasn't made a decision.
    Elle fait des velléités sur l'idée de déménager mais ne se décide pas.