volonté
/vɔ.lɔ̃.te/
The English phrase 'volition' is translated into French as volonté.
volonté is a noun meaning a conscious choice or decision. In everyday French, it is most frequently used to mean 'willpower' or 'determination'.
Meaning: conscious choice or decision (noun)
Which one should you use?
In a legal or formal context, volonté refers to a person's intent or choice. In a psychological context, it often refers to the strength of one's will.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun volonté can be used in the plural form volontés to refer to multiple distinct desires or intentions.
How do you pronounce it?
volonté is pronounced /vɔ.lɔ̃.te/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The expression bon vouloir does not just mean 'good will' but is often used sarcastically to describe someone who does something only if they feel like it.
- In French philosophy, particularly in the works of Descartes, la volonté is described as the only faculty of the human mind that is truly infinite.
- When someone is described as having a volonté de fer, it literally means they have a 'will of iron'.
Examples in context
- J'ai l'intention d'agir selon ma volontéI intend to act according to my volition
- Ma résolution est inébranlableMy resolution is unwavering
- J'ai envie d'aller au cinémaI want to go to the cinema
- Je veux vraiment réussirI really want to succeed
- Je n'ai pas la tête à travaillerI'm not in the mood to work
- faire preuve de volontéto show willpower
- C'est un acte de pure volonté.It is an act of pure will.
- Il a agi de sa propre volonté.He acted of his own free will.
- Sa volonté est restée inébranlable.His will remained unshakable.
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are discussing a difficult fitness challenge.
- ChloéJe n'arrive pas à finir ce programme.I can't manage to finish this program.
- LucasC'est juste une question de volonté, Chloé.It's just a matter of willpower, Chloé.
- ChloéTu as raison, je dois rester forte.You are right, I must stay strong.
- LucasJe sais que tu peux le faire.I know you can do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “volition” translations and entries volonté, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
