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Volunteered: meaning, definitions and examples

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volunteered

 

[ ˈvɒlənˌtɪəd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

offering help

To volunteer means to offer oneself for a service or undertaking willingly and without pay. This act of selflessness is often associated with charitable work or community service, where individuals dedicate time and effort to assist others. Volunteering can take many forms, from helping at local shelters to participating in environmental clean-up projects. People who volunteer often describe the experience as fulfilling and rewarding, as it allows them to contribute positively to society.

Synonyms

contribute, donate, offer

Examples of usage

  • She volunteered at the animal shelter every weekend.
  • He volunteered to help organize the community event.
  • Many students volunteered during their summer break to gain experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "volunteered" in other languages:

🇵🇹 voluntariado

🇮🇳 स्वेच्छिक

🇩🇪 freiwillig

🇮🇩 relawan

🇺🇦 волонтер

🇵🇱 wolontariusz

🇯🇵 ボランティア

🇫🇷 bénévole

🇪🇸 voluntario

🇹🇷 gönüllü

🇰🇷 자원봉사자

🇸🇦 متطوع

🇨🇿 dobrovolník

🇸🇰 dobrovoľník

🇨🇳 志愿者

🇸🇮 prostovoljec

🇮🇸 sjálfboðaliði

🇰🇿 ерікті

🇬🇪 სიხარულით

🇦🇿 könüllü

🇲🇽 voluntario

Etymology

The word "volunteer" traces back to the Latin word 'voluntarius', which means 'willing' or 'of one's free will.' This Latin term is derived from 'voluntas,' meaning 'will' or 'wish.' The concept of volunteering has existed since ancient times, with individuals choosing to dedicate their time and skills to help their communities. The term began to emerge in the English language in the 17th century, particularly within the context of military service, where individuals would enlist freely rather than being conscripted. Over time, volunteering expanded to include a wide range of activities focused on helping others, showcasing the evolution of the term from its military origins to the diverse forms of altruism we see today. This cultural shift highlights the growing recognition of the importance of community service and the impactful role of volunteers in society.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,142, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.