Uncoerced Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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uncoerced

[หŒสŒnkษ™สŠหˆษœrst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

freedom of choice

Not forced or compelled; voluntary.

Synonyms

spontaneous, unforced, volitional, voluntary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncoerced

Used when emphasizing that an action or decision was made without any pressure or force from others. It often highlights the absence of compulsion.

  • His confession was uncoerced, and therefore held up in court
  • The witness provided uncoerced testimony
voluntary

Indicates actions or services done by choice or free will, without any obligation or external pressure. Often used in everyday contexts.

  • She gave a voluntary donation to the charity
  • Participation in the study is completely voluntary
unforced

Used to describe something that happens naturally and effortlessly, without any external push or compulsion. Often employed to describe actions that appear natural and genuine.

  • Her smile was unforced and warm
  • The unforced error during the game cost them the point
volitional

Refers to actions or decisions made by choice, emphasizing the individual's will or intent. Typically used in more formal or legal contexts.

  • Her decision to donate was volitional, reflecting her personal values
  • Volitional actions are key to understanding human behavior
spontaneous

Refers to actions or behaviors that occur naturally, without preplanning or external influence. Often implies a sense of impulsiveness or sudden occurrence.

  • Their laughter was spontaneous and genuine
  • The spontaneous trip to the beach was a pleasant surprise

Examples of usage

  • He made the decision uncoerced, based on his own beliefs.
  • The participants were uncoerced and willingly took part in the study.
  • She joined the club uncoerced, out of genuine interest.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, free will is often contrasted with coercion, demonstrating the importance of voluntary decision-making.
  • Studies show that choices made under pressure can lead to less satisfaction compared to uncoerced decisions.

Law

  • In legal contexts, contracts and agreements must be entered into uncoerced for them to be deemed valid and enforceable.
  • Coercion in law can lead to voiding agreements, emphasizing the necessity of voluntary consent.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate concepts of autonomy, with uncoerced actions seen as essential to genuine freedom.
  • The difference between coerced and uncoerced actions raises ethical questions in decision-making.

Social Dynamics

  • In relationships, being uncoerced often enhances trust and cooperation between individuals.
  • Group settings can sometimes pressure individuals, highlighting the value of supporting uncoerced choices.

Origin of 'uncoerced'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not', which changes the meaning of 'coerced' (forced) to its opposite.
  • The term derives from the Latin word 'coercere', meaning to restrict or control, showing its roots in ideas of pressure.

The word 'uncoerced' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle of the verb 'coerce' meaning 'to persuade or induce by force or threat'. The term first appeared in the mid-17th century in English literature, emphasizing the concept of voluntary action without any external pressure or influence.


See also: coerced, coercer, coercion, coercionist.