May 9, 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.

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9 Responses to N.B. This is the first

  1. tim says:

    I like that word…

    Reply
  2. RM says:

    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!

    Reply
  3. 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.

    Reply
  4. Annie says:

    Great word. So how often do you use it?

    Reply
  5. angelo says:

    My personal favorite is libidinous, yet I somehow find it difficult to squeeze it into my daily conversations all that much.

    Reply
  6. Angelo, you lead your daily life libidinously enough that using the word in conversation would be superfluous.

    Reply
  7. PatCH says:

    My favourite word is “is.” I use it all the time. Especially on Fridays and when I’m on holiday.

    Reply
  8. Wayne says:

    Mine’s “Meow” – and don’t ask me why.

    Reply
  9. Erica says:

    I love this blog! I learn something new with every post!

    Reply

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