WordGarden.iovoluntarily
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /vˌɒləntˈɛrəli/
US
- /ˌvɑlənˈtɛrəli/
Meanings
Adverb
by one's own choice and not because one is forced
with conscious control rather than automatically
Beyond the definition
To do something voluntarily means to do it by your own choice because you want to, not because someone forced you. Think about helping at an animal shelter; people do that because they care about the cause, not because they have to. You might offer to help a neighbor, join a research study, or stay after class to do extra work. The word highlights free choice and willingness. The opposite is "involuntarily" or "under pressure."
The word "voluntarily" describes an action performed willingly and without coercion. It implies that someone has made a conscious choice to do something, free from external pressure or legal obligation. This isn't just about the act itself; it's about the spirit of intention behind it.
You will frequently see "voluntarily" used in legal contexts—for example, a person might "voluntarily submit" to a search or "voluntarily confess," meaning they acted without being threatened or forced by authorities. It also appears prominently when discussing altruism: people voluntarily donate their time or resources to charities they believe in.
However, the nuance of "voluntarily" extends into professional and personal settings as well. A company might offer "voluntary severance packages," giving employees the choice to leave with specific benefits rather than facing a mandatory layoff. In a leadership context, someone might voluntarily relinquish control of a project, stepping aside to allow another person to lead.
The key takeaway is that "voluntarily" highlights the element of free will and personal decision-making. It suggests an action taken not out of sheer necessity, but from genuine desire or agreement. If you chose to read this entire vocabulary card to improve your English... well, you did so voluntarily!
Examples
- 1
Workplace help
She voluntarily stayed late to help the new employee finish the report.
- 2
Apology
No one asked him to apologize, but he did it voluntarily.
- 3
Interview
During the interview, she voluntarily shared details about her previous job.
- 4
Product recall
The company recalled the product voluntarily before any injuries were reported.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Optional activity
You can join the workshop voluntarily, but once you sign up, regular attendance is expected.
- 6
Resignation
He was not forced to leave the team; he stepped down voluntarily.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- involuntarily
- under compulsion
Used with (collocations)
- participate voluntarily
- resign voluntarily
- voluntarily disclose
- act voluntarily
Word family
Explore
- free will
- consent
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- voluntarilyadverb