velleity

1 9.9

A weak wish that does not make you take action

noun
/vəˈliːɪti/

Formal

: velleidad

This Gordian knot of maneuvers, velleities, bungling, and disaster had to be cut.

Examples

His interest in learning the piano was just a velleity, as he never found the time to practice.
Many people have a velleity to travel more, but few actually take the steps to plan a trip.
Her desire to eat healthier was merely a velleity, as she continued to indulge in junk food.

Synonyms

dim and distant dream

vsvelleity

Literature

7.2

A hope that seems unlikely to come true

is a very weak desire even less likely to become real due to inaction

How Strong

obsession

280 5.1

craving

43 3.7

desire

∞ 1.6

wish

779 1.0

inclination

60 4.2

velleity

Formal

1 9.9

Surface Forms

velleity singular

velleities plural

Morphology

velleity = velle + ity

The element 'velle' is not a productive English base and the meaning 'a weak wish' cannot be derived by a B1 learner from the visible parts.

Etymology

The word velleity comes from the Latin root velle, which means 'to wish'. A velleity is a very weak wish that does not lead to action; compare it to volition and voluntary, which are about 'will' or 'choice', and you will see a velleity is a wish too small to become a real decision.