# volition

/voʊˈɫɪʃən/ (US) · /vəlˈɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/volition
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. personal choice

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of deciding to do something because you want to, rather than being forced by someone else.

For teachers: the exercise of one's will in making a conscious decision. Often used in the phrase 'of one's own volition'.

- He decided to leave the company of his own volition, not because he was fired.
- The witness claimed she had provided the statement of her own volition, without any pressure or coercion from the investigating officers.

Usage: Commonly appears in the prepositional phrase 'of one's own volition'.

### 2. the power of will

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Formal

the mental ability to choose or decide what to do.

For teachers: the cognitive process by which an individual decides on and commits to a particular course of action; the faculty of will.

- The patient's injury affected his volition, making it hard for him to start simple tasks.
- Philosophers have long debated whether human volition is truly free or merely a product of biological and environmental determinism.

Usage: Often used in philosophical, psychological, or legal contexts to discuss the capacity for intent.

## Examples

- The patient showed no sign of volition.
- In many legal systems, a person must demonstrate volition to be considered responsible for their actions.
- The philosopher argued that true moral responsibility requires not just knowledge of the consequences, but also the volition to act despite those consequences.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.