How to pronounce velleity
Say it like veh-LEE-ih-tee. Velleity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce velleity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- veh
- LEE
- ih
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Velleity pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- vehKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- LEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of velleity
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: veh-LEE-ih-tee.
What does velleity mean?
- The lowest degree of desire or volition; a total lack of effort to act.
- A slight wish not followed by any effort to obtain.
Where does velleity come from?
From Medieval Latin velleitās, from Latin velle (“wish, will”).
Questions about saying velleity
How do you pronounce velleity?
Say veh-LEE-ih-tee. The American pronunciation is /vɛˈliɪti/. In British English it is /vɛˈliːɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in velleity?
Velleity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LEE). Broken into parts: veh · LEE · ih · tee.
Is velleity pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /vɛˈliːɪti/ (veh-LEE-ih-tee).