Voluntarily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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voluntarily

[หˆvษ’lษ™ntษ™rษชli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

voluntary work

Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.

Synonyms

freely, unwillingly, willingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
voluntarily

To describe an action taken without being forced or paid, especially for a good cause or personal satisfaction.

  • She volunteered at the animal shelter voluntarily on weekends.
  • He decided to join the research study voluntarily.
willingly

Used when someone does something eagerly or with pleasure, indicating a positive attitude towards the action.

  • He willingly accepted the challenging project.
  • She willingly helped her friend move to a new house.
freely

Used when someone does something without any restrictions or control, often implying a sense of liberty or choice.

  • She spoke her mind freely in the meeting.
  • The artist expressed his emotions freely through his painting.
unwillingly

Refers to doing something without desire or enthusiasm, often because of obligation or pressure. This word has a negative connotation.

  • He agreed to attend the family dinner unwillingly.
  • She took on extra work unwillingly to avoid conflict.

Examples of usage

  • He voluntarily agreed to help with the project.
  • She is involved in the organization voluntarily.
  • We decided to participate voluntarily in the charity event.
Context #2 | Adverb

voluntarily leave

Without being forced or compelled.

Synonyms

spontaneously, uncoerced.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
voluntarily

Used when someone does something by their own choice, without any external pressure or force. Often used in formal contexts.

  • She voluntarily donated her time to help at the shelter
  • He left the company voluntarily, without any coercion
spontaneously

Appropriate when talking about actions done impulsively, without prior planning. Used in casual and informal contexts.

  • She spontaneously decided to take a road trip
  • They broke into spontaneous applause
uncoerced

Used to emphasize that an action was free from any form of pressure or force. Common in legal or formal discussions

  • His confession was uncoerced and freely given
  • An uncoerced agreement is essential for a valid contract

Examples of usage

  • He was asked to leave, but he did so voluntarily.
  • She voluntarily resigned from her position.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often feel more positive emotions when they act voluntarily, as it aligns with their personal values and desires.
  • Research shows that volunteering promotes a strong sense of community and personal well-being.
  • Acts done voluntarily can lead to increased motivation and satisfaction, often resulting in better overall mental health.

Social Studies

  • Voluntary actions in society often foster teamwork, trust, and cooperation among groups.
  • The concept is foundational in volunteerism, where individuals offer their time and skills without needing compensation.
  • Grassroots movements often thrive on voluntary participation, highlighting the power of collective action over coercion.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and books, characters who act voluntarily often embody themes of heroism and selflessness, inspiring others.
  • Reality TV often showcases individuals making spontaneous, voluntary decisions which dramatically affect their relationships.
  • Social media challenges encourage voluntary participation, where users choose to engage in trends and share their experiences.

Philosophy

  • The idea of voluntary action is central to many ethical theories which emphasize personal freedom and responsibility.
  • Philosophers have debated the nature of free will, exploring whether any action can truly be voluntary.
  • Autonomy is a key concept, highlighting the importance of individuals making choices based on their own desires.

Origin of 'voluntarily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'voluntarius', which means 'of one's own free will'.
  • It's derived from 'voluntas', meaning 'will' or 'wish', indicating a sense of personal choice.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 14th century, indicating cooperation and choice in actions.

The word 'voluntarily' originated from the Latin word 'voluntarius', which means 'of one's free will'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of voluntary action has been a fundamental aspect of human behavior, reflecting individual choice and decision-making. Throughout history, voluntary actions have played a significant role in social, political, and charitable endeavors, emphasizing personal freedom and autonomy.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,023 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.