French word

volonté

Pronunciation

IPA/volɔ̃te/

Meaning

  • feminine nounwill

Example

Il a une forte volonté.

He has a strong will.

Illustration for volonté (will)

More examples

Elle a la volonté de réussir.

She has the will to succeed.

Core concept

An inner force that keeps a chosen course moving toward completion.

Common phrases

  • avoir la volonté de

    have the will to ___

  • force de volonté

    strength of will

  • manque de volonté

    lack of will

Similar words

envie: A passing desire to do something.
désir: A powerful wish for something.
intention: A plan or purpose to carry out an action later.
détermination: A steadfast resolve to achieve a goal despite difficulties.

Definition in French

Décision ferme de faire quelque chose et énergie pour maintenir cette décision jusqu'à l'accomplissement.

Word origin

Volonté comes through Old French volenté from Latin voluntas, formed from velle, meaning "to wish or will."

Usage tips

  • In bonne volonté, volonté means willingness or a cooperative attitude, not necessarily the determination or power to finish.

Other meanings

  • motivationnoun
  • intentionnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word