1 C1 idiomatic neutral
To try to make something happen through concentrated mental effort or strong desire.
"She sat in the waiting room, willing on a positive result with everything she had."
separable
will on
C1 neutral separable transitive
To try to make something happen through intense mental concentration, desire, or force of will.
In plain English
To use your mind and strong desire to try to make something happen.
What does "will on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
To mentally urge a person, animal, or team to continue and succeed.
"The entire stadium seemed to be willing the runner on as he staggered toward the finish line."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To apply one's will toward making something proceed or continue.
Actually means
To use your mind and strong desire to try to make something happen.
Usage tip
Often used in sports or moments of strong desire — a spectator 'wills on' their team. Also used reflexively: 'willed himself on' when someone forces themselves to continue despite difficulty. Slightly literary in tone.
Words that pair with "will on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
team success victory result himself herself
How to conjugate "will on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
will on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wills on
he/she/it
Past simple
willed on
yesterday
Past participle
willed on
have + pp
-ing form
willing on
continuous
Hear "will on" in the wild
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Other ways to say "will on"
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