voluntarily
vo-luhn-TEH-rih-lee
Voluntarily (adverb) means Done by choice, without being forced or paid to do it. Example: “She voluntarily gave up her seat on the crowded train.”
adverb
1
Done by choice, without being forced or paid to do it.
"She voluntarily gave up her seat on the crowded train."
"He voluntarily resigned before the investigation concluded."
"Nobody asked him to help, but he voluntarily stayed late to tidy the hall."
How to use voluntarily
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDone of your own free will, not because you had to.
Common pairings
voluntarily resign
voluntarily disclose
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more voluntarily
- Superlative
- most voluntarily
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ gave up her seat on the crowded train.
Etymology
From voluntary + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for voluntarily
See all rhymes for voluntarily →Frequently asked questions
What does “voluntarily” mean?
The word “voluntarily” means done by choice, without being forced or paid to do it. In plain terms, done of your own free will, not because you had to.
How do you pronounce “voluntarily”?
“Voluntarily” is pronounced vo-luhn-TEH-rih-lee (/ˌvɑlənˈtɛɹɪli/ in IPA).
How do you use “voluntarily” in a sentence?
Here is “voluntarily” used in a sentence: “She voluntarily gave up her seat on the crowded train.”
What is the opposite of “voluntarily”?
The opposite of “voluntarily” — its antonyms — are compulsorily, involuntarily, accidentally, unintentionally and unknowingly.
What part of speech is “voluntarily”?
“Voluntarily” is an adverb.
Is “voluntarily” a common word?
“Voluntarily” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between voluntarily and involuntarily?
Voluntarily describes an action done by choice, without being forced or paid to do it, while involuntarily describes an action done without control or intention, such as a reflex. A person who voluntarily resigns chooses to leave, whereas someone involuntarily dismissed does not choose the outcome.
When should you use voluntarily instead of willingly?
Voluntarily emphasizes that an action was not required or compelled, while willingly emphasizes eagerness or lack of reluctance in doing it. Someone can act voluntarily without necessarily being enthusiastic, whereas willingly implies a more positive attitude toward the task.
Is voluntarily used in legal or formal contexts?
Yes, voluntarily is common in legal and formal writing to describe actions taken by free choice rather than under compulsion, such as a voluntarily signed agreement or voluntarily disclosed information. This precise sense makes it useful for contracts, statements, and official reports.
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