volunteer
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for volunteer, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Someone who offers to do a task, often unpaid, without being forced to.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use volunteer
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From French voluntaire, from Latin voluntarius, "willing" — originally used specifically for soldiers who chose to serve rather than being conscripted.
Full origin of volunteer →Frequently asked questions
What does “volunteer” mean?
The word “volunteer” means someone who offers to do a task, often unpaid, without being forced to. In plain terms, someone who offers to help freely, or the act of offering to do something unpaid.
How do you pronounce “volunteer”?
“Volunteer” is pronounced voln-TEER (/ˌvɑlənˈtɪɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “volunteer” in a sentence?
Here is “volunteer” used in a sentence: “The shelter relies almost entirely on volunteers.”
What part of speech is “volunteer”?
Depending on how it is used, “volunteer” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “volunteer” come from?
The word “volunteer” comes from Latin. From French voluntaire, from Latin voluntarius, "willing" — originally used specifically for soldiers who chose to serve rather than being conscripted.
Is “volunteer” a common word?
“Volunteer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “volunteer” have?
“Volunteer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who offers to do a task, often unpaid, without being forced to.
What is the difference between a volunteer and an intern?
A volunteer offers to do a task, often unpaid, without being forced to, and usually has no formal employment tie. An intern also may be unpaid, but typically works to gain experience or training within a structured position, sometimes for course credit or a stipend.
What is the difference between 'volunteer' and 'conscript'?
A volunteer offers to do something freely, without being forced or paid. A conscript is the opposite: someone compelled to serve, especially in the military, by law rather than by choice.
Can 'volunteer' be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes. As a noun, a volunteer is someone who offers to do a task, often unpaid, without being forced. As a verb, to volunteer means to offer to do something without being asked or paid, as in 'she volunteered to help.'
Does 'volunteer' always mean unpaid work?
Not always. While a volunteer often works without pay, the core meaning is offering to do something freely and without being forced. You can 'volunteer' an answer or information, where payment is not involved at all.