willing Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of making a choice
    volition.
    • followed my father of my own volition
  2. verb decree or ordain
    will.
    • God wills our existence
  3. verb determine by choice
    will.
    • This action was willed and intended
  4. verb leave or give by will after one's death
    will; leave; bequeath.
    • My aunt bequeathed me all her jewelry
    • My grandfather left me his entire estate
  5. adjective disposed or inclined toward
    • a willing participant
    • willing helpers
  6. adjective satellite not brought about by coercion or force
    unforced; uncoerced.
    • the confession was uncoerced

WordNet

Will"ing adjective
Etymology
From Will, v. t.
Definitions
  1. Free to do or to grant; having the mind inclined; not opposed in mind; not choosing to refuse; disposed; not averse; desirous; consenting; complying; ready.
    Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. Acts xxiv. 27.
    With wearied wings and willing feet. Milton.
    [Fruit] shaken in August from the willing boughs. Bryant.
  2. Received of choice, or without reluctance; submitted to voluntarily; chosen; desired.
    [They] are held, with his melodious harmony, In willing chains and sweet captivity. Milton.
  3. Spontaneous; self-moved. R.
    No spouts of blood run willing from a tree. Dryden.

Webster 1913