willpower
Definition
Noun: * The ability to control one's own actions, emotions, or desires; strong determination that allows you to do something difficult. It refers to the mental strength or discipline used to achieve a goal or resist a temptation.
Usage and Examples
Willpower is an uncountable noun. It is used to describe the inner strength a person uses to make themselves do something challenging or to stop themselves from doing something they want to do but shouldn't.
Advanced Usage
- "To exercise/show/demonstrate willpower": To use or display one's self-control.
- You need to exercise willpower to stick to your budget.
- "A test of willpower": A situation that challenges one's self-control.
- Sitting in a bakery while on a diet is a real test of willpower.
- "A failure/lapse of willpower": A moment when one's self-control breaks down.
- After a week of healthy eating, she had a lapse of willpower and ate a whole pizza.
Variants and Related Words
- Will (noun): While often used in legal contexts (e.g., "last will and testament"), in the context of determination, it is a more formal or literary synonym for willpower (e.g., ).
- Self-discipline (noun): The ability to control one's feelings and overcome one's weaknesses. This is a close synonym but often implies a habitual practice rather than a single act of strength.
- Self-control (noun): The ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses. This is a very direct synonym.
- Determination (noun): Firmness of purpose; the quality of being resolved to do something. This focuses more on the decision and persistence than on the internal struggle against impulses.
Synonyms
- Self-control
- Self-discipline
- Resolution
- Fortitude
- Tenacity (in the context of persistence)
Antonyms
- Weakness
- Indulgence
- Impulsiveness
- Self-indulgence
Idioms and Common Phrases
- "Sheer willpower": Used to emphasize that something was achieved only through immense mental strength, with no other help.
- He lifted the heavy box through sheer willpower.
- "Willpower alone": Similar to "sheer willpower," suggesting that determination was the sole factor.
- Willpower alone won't solve the problem; you need a good plan.
Noun
-
the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior
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