conation

noun

co·​na·​tion kō-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce conation (audio)
: an inclination (such as an instinct, a drive, a wish, or a craving) to act purposefully : impulse sense 1
conative
ˈkō-nə-tiv How to pronounce conation (audio)
ˈkä-, 
ˈkō-ˌnā-
adjective

Word History

Etymology

Latin conation-, conatio act of attempting, from conari to attempt — more at deacon

First Known Use

circa 1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conation was circa 1837

Rhymes for conation

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Browse Nearby Words

con artist
conation
conational
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Cite this Entry

“Conation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

conation

noun
co·​na·​tion kō-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce conation (audio)
: an inclination (as an instinct, a drive, a wish, or a craving) to act purposefully : impulse sense 2
conative
ˈkō-nət-iv, -ˌnāt-; ˈkän-ət- How to pronounce conation (audio)
adjective
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