free will — the ability to choose one's actions independently without being determined by prior causes or divine decree
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the ability to choose one's actions independently without being determined by prior causes or divine decree
Pronunciation (IPA): /friː wɪl/
Example Sentences
- My mom says I have free will, but somehow I still end up doing all the dishes.
- Philosophers have debated the existence of free will for centuries.
- He claimed it was free will, but we all knew his wife made the decision.
free will
NOUN[/friː wɪl/]
the ability to choose one's actions independently without being determined by prior causes or divine decree
the ability to choose one's actions independently without being determined by prior causes or divine decree
On the hill he stands so still, exercising his free will!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term combines two Old English roots: 'free' derives from Old English 'freo', meaning 'not in bondage' or 'at liberty', while 'will' comes from Old English 'willa', meaning 'desire' or 'intention'. Medieval philosophers synthesized these terms to articulate the philosophical concept of human capacity for choice independent of external constraint.
Breakdown
free (Old English 'freo': not bound, at liberty) + will (Old English 'willa': desire, volition, intention). The compound emerged in medieval philosophical discourse to denote autonomous human decision-making.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom says I have free will, but somehow I still end up doing all the dishes.”
“Philosophers have debated the existence of free will for centuries.”
“He claimed it was free will, but we all knew his wife made the decision.”
“The robot questioned whether it possessed free will or was simply following its programming.”
📚Related Words
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