Velleity - Word of the Day for IELTS Speaking & Writing

The word ‘Velleity’ would help provide depth to your expression that is ideal for pointing out weak intentions, half-hearted wishes, or actions that are very close to happening but never actually do. Building up your vocabulary is necessary if you want to represent complicated ideas in a natural way for your IELTS Speaking and Writing answers. To become more fluent, thoughtful, and academically confident, you can try learning how to incorporate this in your answers seamlessly in the IELTS Exam. In this way, such terms will naturally be added in your responses without trying too much to put advanced vocabulary terms.

Let’s look at the meaning, synonyms, and tips to use the word in your answers effortlessly.

What is the Meaning of ‘Velleity’?

To excel in your IELTS Speaking & Writing sections, using appropriate IELTS Vocabulary makes the difference between a good and a great answer. Adding more diction to your words can turn your answer into a good response. Such a level of expression shows your skill of incorporating terms in context. The whole process of vocabulary selection becomes a way of turning your answers from basic to impactful and demonstrating your command of the advanced. Let' s look at the table below to get familiar with the meaning, synonyms, and example sentences before using the word ‘Velleity’ in your answer.

Check out the video below to learn 9 Vocabulary Tips to IMPROVE Your Score for the IELTS Writing Task 2!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using ‘Velleity’ in IELTS Speaking & Writing

Despite the fact that the term ‘Velleity’ can be regarded as one of the advanced words which can improve your band scores for  the IELTS Speaking & Writing sections. However, you might mistake it for having a very strong desire, use it too often, or assign it an improper context. Therefore, you need to get familiar with such mistakes so that you can showcase your precise lexical control in your answers. Below are some of the mistakes related to the term so that you can avoid it while fitting this in your sentences.

• Mistaking velleity for a strong desire

“Velleity” means a mere wish or inclination, and not an aspiration. 

• Use the term for any actions which have been done

The term suggests inactivity or lack of dedication.

• Overusing velleity in day-to-day conversations

It is a formal and rare term; its overuse may come across as unnatural.

• Misplacing velleity in emotional contexts

Best suited for philosophizing, critiquing, or conducting formal discussions.

• Using the word velleity as a verb or adjective

“Velleity” is a noun and cannot be transformed into other forms.

Exercise on the Word ‘Velleity’ for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Once you have learned the word ‘Velleity’ along with its meaning and the situations where it can be used. Firstly, you can go through each sentence carefully, then point out where the word can fit in a natural way, and lastly, think about the meaning before you choose your answer.

1 Many people have only a __________ intention of learning a new language, but, unfortunately, they never go further than that.

2 His effort to finish the assignment was __________; he did just the minimum.

3 The fashion designers usually try to foresee the next big __________ in the arena of clothing styles.

4 Social media trends are often __________, being gone almost with the same speed they have come.

5 Smartphones have come to such a __________ point that it is hard to find someone who does not have one.

6 Giving oneself a little time off work can be a great way to __________ rejuvenate and refresh.

Answer to the Exercise on ‘Velleity’ for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Let’s see if you have understood the usage of the word ‘Velleity’. A key strategy for improving your IELTS Band Score is to take note of your mistakes, identify the reasons behind them, and then try not to repeat them. The proper use of such vocabulary makes you score a band 8+ in your IELTS Speaking & Writing sections.

1. Velleity
2. Perfunctory
3. Trend
4. Ephemeral
5. Ubiquitous
6. Alleviate

Using advanced and topic-specific vocabulary would help you develop the ability to use them fluently and effectively in your Speaking and IELTS Writing answers. To achieve a band score of 8+ in the exam, you need to first learn how you can use the word ‘Velleity’ appropriately. With this knowledge, you can describe specific situations in which there is a desire but no commitment. This will add more depth to your arguments and show lexical flexibility seamlessly.

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Also Check: 

• Five Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary
• 1200 Common Words in IELTS Listening
• IELTS Vocabulary Words List for Band 8 or 9
• How to Build Vocabulary for the IELTS Exam: Practical Tips
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+