willingly
5 synonyms and 1 antonym for willingly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — By one's own free choice, without needing to be forced or persuaded.
Synonyms
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.
Antonyms
How to use willingly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
willingly accept
willingly admit
give up willingly
Etymology
From Middle English willyngly, built from willing + the adverb ending -ly.
Full origin of willingly →Frequently asked questions
What does “willingly” mean?
The word “willingly” means by one's own free choice, without needing to be forced or persuaded. In plain terms, doing something because you want to, not because someone made you.
How do you pronounce “willingly”?
“Willingly” is pronounced WIH-lihng-lee (/ˈwɪlɪŋli/ in IPA).
How do you use “willingly” in a sentence?
Here is “willingly” used in a sentence: “He willingly gave up his seat for the elderly passenger.”
What is the opposite of “willingly”?
The opposite of “willingly” — its antonyms — is unwillingly.
What part of speech is “willingly”?
“Willingly” is an adverb.
Where does the word “willingly” come from?
The word “willingly” comes from Middle English. From Middle English willyngly, built from willing + the adverb ending -ly.
Is “willingly” a common word?
“Willingly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between willingly and voluntarily?
Willingly and voluntarily are close synonyms, both describing an action taken by one's own free choice rather than under force. Willingly often emphasizes a positive, ready attitude toward the action, while voluntarily can be more neutral about the person's feelings toward it.
What is the opposite of willingly?
The opposite of willingly is something like unwillingly or reluctantly, describing an action done under pressure, persuasion, or force rather than by free choice.
How is willingly used in a sentence structure?
Willingly is an adverb that typically modifies a verb describing an action, as in "she willingly agreed" or "he willingly gave up his seat," showing the action was done by free choice without needing to be forced.
