will
will Lexical Profile
will Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To express future tense or indicate that something is expected, inevitable, or certain to happen (used as a modal auxiliary verb).
"The university library will close early this Friday for scheduled maintenance."
To express intention, willingness, consent, or polite request (used as a modal auxiliary verb).
"I will gladly help you review your research paper before the submission deadline."
To intend, desire, or try to bring about by the exercise of mental power or determination.
"Sitting nervously in the waiting room, he willed himself to remain calm before the interview."
To bequeath or leave property to someone after one's death by means of a legal testament.
"The philanthropist willed her entire collection of rare manuscripts to the national museum."
• noun
The mental faculty by which a person decides on and initiates action; deliberate determination or self-control.
"Despite the exhausting climb, she summoned the will to reach the mountain summit."
A legal document containing instructions as to what should be done with one's money and property after one's death.
"My grandfather updated his will to ensure that the family estate was divided equally among his grandchildren."
What someone desires, wishes, or intends to happen, especially someone in a position of authority.
"In a democratic society, elected officials are expected to carry out the will of the people."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a modal auxiliary verb, 'will' is defective: it lacks an infinitive, participles, and a third-person singular '-s' ending, and uses 'would' as its past or conditional form; however, as a lexical verb meaning 'to bequeath' or 'to cause by mental effort,' it inflects regularly ('wills', 'willed', 'willing').
• Rhymes for will
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'willan' (to wish, desire, or be willing) and the noun 'willa' (mind, determination, or purpose), of Proto-Germanic origin and ultimately related to Latin 'velle' (to wish).