WordGarden.iovoluntary
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈɒləntəri/
US
- /ˈvɑləntɛri/
Meanings
Adjective
done or given by free choice and not because it is required
done without pay, especially as service or charity work
under conscious control rather than automatic
Beyond the definition
Something that is voluntary happens because a person chooses to do it, not because they are forced or required to do it. You can make a voluntary donation, join a voluntary program, or go to a voluntary meeting. The word is also used for parts of the body you can control on purpose, such as the muscles in your arms and legs.
The word voluntary describes something done by free will, choice, or consent. It means the action is not forced by law, duty, or pressure from other people.
You might take part in a voluntary cleanup of your local park, meaning you choose to spend your time helping. A voluntary donation is one given freely, without pressure. In legal contexts, a voluntary confession is one made willingly and not forced by the police.
The idea also applies beyond actions. Voluntary muscles, like the muscles in your arms or legs, are muscles you control on purpose. They are different from involuntary muscles, such as the heart, which work without conscious control.
Although the word is often linked to helpful acts like charity work, it can describe any action that someone chooses freely. You might voluntarily accept a difficult assignment at work because you want a challenge, even if it means more effort. The key idea is that the decision came from you, not from outside pressure.
So, whenever you see something described as voluntary, think of choice, freedom, and acting because you want to, not because you have to.
Examples
- 1
Optional attendance
Attendance at the workshop is voluntary.
- 2
Charity work
She does voluntary work at a food bank on Saturdays.
- 3
Public donations
The campaign depends on voluntary donations from the public.
- 4
Unpaid service
Many sports clubs are run on a voluntary basis.
- Phraseon a voluntary basis
without being paid
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Police statement
He gave a voluntary statement to the police before they questioned him.
- Domain
in police or legal contexts, a voluntary statement is information someone gives without being forced or officially asked
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- voluntary participation
- voluntary work
- voluntary agreement
- voluntary sector
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- voluntarynounadjective
Forms
- voluntariespluralnounadjective