A Latin conjunction meaning 'or' used in formal, academic, or legal contexts. It indicates an alternative or choice between options.
Direct borrowing from Latin 'vel' meaning 'or' or 'either.' This conjunction has been preserved in scholarly and legal English since medieval times, maintaining its original Latin form and pronunciation.
Legal documents love 'vel' because it's more precise than English 'or' - it specifically means 'inclusive or' where both options could be true simultaneously, unlike 'aut' which means 'exclusive or.' This tiny Latin word prevents countless legal ambiguities and shows how ancient languages continue to serve modern precision.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.