An Encylopedia Britannica Company

will

1 will /ˈwɪl/ /wəl/ verb
past tense would /ˈwʊd/ /wəd/ present tense for both singular and plural will negative will not or won't /ˈwoʊnt/
1 will
/ˈwɪl/ /wəl/
verb
past tense would /ˈwʊd/ /wəd/ present tense for both singular and plural will negative will not or won't /ˈwoʊnt/
Britannica Dictionary definition of WILL
[modal verb]
used to say that something is expected to happen in the future
used to say that you want something
used to say that you are willing to do something
used to ask someone to do something
used to give a command or to say what must happen or not happen
used to say that something is likely or certain to be true
used to describe a situation that is continuing
used to say that something usually happens or that a person or thing usually does something
◊ In British English, this sense is sometimes used to show that you are annoyed that someone does something often.
used to say that something is able to do something or contain a certain amount
compare 3will, 4will
2 will /ˈwɪl/ noun
plural wills
2 will
/ˈwɪl/
noun
plural wills
Britannica Dictionary definition of WILL
[count] law : a legal document in which a person states who should receive his or her possessions after he or she dies
see also living will
: a strong desire or determination to do something
[count]
often followed by to + verb
[noncount]
see also free will, strong-willed
[noncount] : a person's choice or desire in a particular situation

at will

: when you want or in a way that you want

where there's a will, there's a way

used to say that if you want to do something very much, you can find a way to do it

with a will

: with a lot of enthusiasm and energy

with the best will in the world

British
: with the most sincere desire and effort to do something good or worthwhile used especially to say that it is not possible to do something even if you want to do it very much
see also goodwill, ill will
3 will /ˈwɪl/ verb
present tense for both singular and plural will
3 will
/ˈwɪl/
verb
present tense for both singular and plural will
Britannica Dictionary definition of WILL
[+ object]
: to want or desire (something)
◊ This verb is only used in the simple present tense.
compare 1will, 4will
4 will /ˈwɪl/ verb
wills; willed; willing
4 will
/ˈwɪl/
verb
wills; willed; willing
Britannica Dictionary definition of WILL
[+ object]
: to cause or try to cause (something) to happen by using the power of your mind
: to cause or try to cause (someone or something) to do something by using the power of your mind
: to want or intend (something) to happen
law : to state in a will that (your property) will be given to a particular person, organization, etc., after you die
compare 1will, 3will