A noun with a bit of a spark, from New Latin velleitas, from Latin velle, “to wish, will” + ity, suffix, “condition or quality of being ___,” from Middle English -ite, from Old French -ité, from Latin -itatem (nom. -itas). First known use, 1618.

Fairy Godmother Superior called Twinkle to her office for a pep talk: “You’ll never grant wishes with a limp wand and lukewarm velleity, Sister—wishes need sparkling ardent velocity!”