velle

Velle is the Latin verb meaning "to want" or "to wish." It is the infinitive form of the irregular verb volō, which in the classical paradigm is used to express desire or intention. The principal parts of volō are volō, velle, voluī, and the infinitive velle serves as the base for discussing the verb’s mood, tense, and other forms. In sentences, volō is typically used with another infinitive to indicate what is desired, as in volō venīre, “I want to come.”

In Latin grammar, velle functions as a non-finite verb form, companion to finite verb forms such as volō in expressing will or preference. It is the standard infinitive for the verb "to want," and it appears in a range of classical texts, dictionaries, and grammatical descriptions used to explain how to convey intention, desire, or preference in Latin sentences. The infinitive form is also used in commentary and quotations when discussing the verb itself.

Etymology and cognates: Velle derives from a Proto-Italic root meaning “to wish,” and is cognate with the English word will and with related forms in Romance languages meaning “to want.” The root has given rise to philosophical and linguistic terms in English, most notably the noun “velleity,” which refers to a mere wish or inclination without action.

See also: volō, voluī, volēns, will, volition, velleity. Velle is primarily encountered in scholarly, linguistic, or historical discussions of Latin, rather than in everyday modern usage.