will
will
UK[wɪl]US[wɪl]
modal
Used to talk about what is going to happen in the future, especially things that you are certain about or things that are planned
modal
Used to ask somebody to do something
modal
Used to talk about what is likely or what you expect to happen
n
The mental power to decide and control what you do; a strong desire or determination to do something
n
A legal document that says what is to happen to somebody's money and property after they die
Etymology
The word 'will' originates from the Old English 'willan', meaning "to wish, desire, be willing". This Old English term is derived from the Proto-Germanic wiljaną, which carries the same sense of desire or intention. The core concept of volition or desire is traceable further back to the Proto-Indo-European root welh₁-, meaning "to wish, will". The semantic journey from a concrete expression of personal desire in ancient languages to its modern abstract functions—encompassing future tense, polite requests, and legal documentation of one's final wishes—demonstrates a logical expansion from internal volition to externalized intention and prediction.
Analysis
This is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It functions as a modal verb and a noun in modern English.
Examples
She will arrive at the station by noon.
Will you please pass the salt?
He showed great will in recovering from his injury.