Will

Definition

Will can refer to expressing future intent or determination (as an auxiliary verb) or a person's desire, choice, or decision (as a noun).

Parts of Speech

• Auxiliary Verb
• Noun
• Verb (transitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wɪl/
• Respelling: WIL

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wɪl/
• Respelling: WIL

Etymology

The word "will" originates from Old English "willan," meaning "to wish, desire, or be willing," derived from Proto-Germanic "*willjaną" and Proto-Indo-European "*wel-," meaning "to want or choose."

Derivatives

• Willing (adjective)
• Willpower (noun)
• Willed (adjective)
• Willingly (adverb)
• Unwilling (adjective)

Synonyms

• Intent
• Determination
• Choice

Antonyms

• Unwillingness
• Inaction
• Indecision

Usage

The auxiliary verb "will" expresses future action or intent, as in "I will finish my homework tomorrow." The noun "will" indicates determination or intent, as in "Her will to succeed is admirable."

Related Terms

• Shall: A modal verb used to express future action or intent.
• Determination: The quality of being resolute or firm in purpose.
• Desire: A strong feeling of wanting something.

Detailed Definitions

Auxiliary Verb

• Expressing future action or intent: Indicates an action that will occur in the future.
  • Example: "He will attend the meeting."
• Indicating determination: Expresses a strong intention or resolve.
  • Example: "I will make this work no matter what."

Noun

• A person's intent or desire: Refers to an individual’s choice or decision.
  • Example: "It was her will to donate to charity."
• A legal declaration of a person's wishes: Refers to a formal document detailing asset distribution.
  • Example: "His will left everything to his family."

Verb (transitive)

• To choose or decide: Refers to exerting one's will or influence.
  • Example: "He willed the team to victory with his determination."