will on
C1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To use your mind and strong desire to try to make something happen.
Literal meaning: To apply one's will toward making something proceed or continue.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: separable
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."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
team success victory result himself herself
Forms
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
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Synonyms
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