May 09, 2003
N.B. This is the first post of two today, since I didn't get home last night in time to post. This is turning into a slippery slope. (I just typed "slippery slop" and almost let it stand because, well, you know.)
This is my very favorite word in the English language:
velleity
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary defines it as "the lowest degree of desire; imperfect or incomplete volition."
WordNet defines it as "1. a mere wish, unaccompanied by effort to obtain; 2: volition in its weakest form."
My friend N., though, from whom I learned the word, gave the best definition: "the desire to do something that isn't strong enough to make you actually get up off your ass and do it."
This is how I feel about everything in my life.
Posted by Faustus, MD at 07:18 AM
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Comments
1) tim said (on 05/ 9/03 at 11:32 AM):
I like that word...
2) RM said (on 05/ 9/03 at 12:24 PM):
Faustus--how do you pronounce it?! I MUST add this word to my daily conversation asap, and I don't want to use it incorrectly!
3) Faustus, M.D. said (on 05/ 9/03 at 12:38 PM):
Unfortunately, I don't have an IPA font on this computer, and even if I did, most readers probably wouldn't, so I can't render the pronunciation exactly, but it's basically pronounced veh-LAY-ih-tee.
4) Annie said (on 05/ 9/03 at 04:06 PM):
Great word. So how often do you use it?
5) angelo said (on 05/ 9/03 at 05:16 PM):
My personal favorite is libidinous, yet I somehow find it difficult to squeeze it into my daily conversations all that much.
6) Faustus, M.D. said (on 05/ 9/03 at 08:16 PM):
Angelo, you lead your daily life libidinously enough that using the word in conversation would be superfluous.
7) PatCH said (on 05/10/03 at 08:55 AM):
My favourite word is "is." I use it all the time. Especially on Fridays and when I'm on holiday.
8) Wayne said (on 05/13/03 at 04:05 PM):
Mine's "Meow" - and don't ask me why.
9) Erica said (on 08/19/04 at 09:45 AM):
I love this blog! I learn something new with every post!
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