will etymology

Etymology

Will derives from the Old English word "wille," which meant "desire" or "choice." It is related to other words with similar meanings, such as the German "wollen" (to want) and the Dutch "wil" (will).

Meaning

Will has several related meanings:

  • Intention: A conscious purpose or plan.
  • Desire: A strong wish or craving.
  • Legal Document: A document that expresses the wishes of a deceased person regarding the distribution of their property.

Origin

The concept of will has a long history in human thought. In ancient Greece, philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle explored the nature of will and its role in human action. In Christianity, the concept of free will is central to theological debates about the relationship between God and human responsibility.

In law, the concept of a will emerged in ancient Rome as a way for people to control the disposition of their property after their death. Wills became more common in the Middle Ages and played an important role in the development of probate law.

will relate terms

  • shall

    Etymology Origin Old English sceal to owe be obliged from Proto Germanic skula

  • will

    Etymology Will derives from the Old English word wille which meant desire or choice

  • should

    Etymology is the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have cha

  • benevolence

    Etymology Origin Latin benevolentia Meaning well wishing goodwill Composition

  • bene

    Etymology From Latin bene good well from Proto Indo European bhenə good wel

  • will

    Etymology Will derives from the Old English word wille which meant desire or choice

  • benevolent

    Etymology The word benevolent comes from the Latin word benevolens which is a combin

  • gallant

    Etymology Old French galant Late Latin galans Gaulish gallo meaning cock or roos

  • malevolence

    Etymology The word malevolence derives from the Latin term malevolentia which is a c

  • testament

    Etymology The word testament is derived from the Latin testāmentum which literally

  • legacy

    Etymology The word legacy comes from the Latin word legare meaning to give or bequ

  • devise

    Etymology French déviser to converse Latin divisus separated divided Meanin

  • faculty

    Etymology The word faculty is derived from the Latin word facultas which means abi

  • purpose

    Etymology Latin propositum n from the verb proponere to put forth propose Pro