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Volunteering: meaning, definitions and examples

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volunteering

 

[ ˌvɒlənˈtɪərɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

community service

Volunteering refers to the act of offering one’s time and services to others without monetary compensation. It usually involves activities aimed at helping individuals, groups, or communities in need. Volunteers contribute to various sectors, including education, health care, environmental conservation, and social services. This altruistic practice not only benefits the recipients but also provides the volunteers with a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Synonyms

charitable work, community service, donation of time

Examples of usage

  • She enjoys volunteering at the local animal shelter.
  • Volunteering at the food bank helps the community.
  • Many students participate in volunteering programs to gain experience.
  • Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people.

Translations

Translations of the word "volunteering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 voluntariado

🇮🇳 स्वयंसेवक कार्य

🇩🇪 Freiwilligenarbeit

🇮🇩 volunteering

🇺🇦 волонтерство

🇵🇱 wolontariat

🇯🇵 ボランティア活動

🇫🇷 bénévolat

🇪🇸 voluntariado

🇹🇷 gönüllülük

🇰🇷 자원봉사

🇸🇦 التطوع

🇨🇿 dobrovolnictví

🇸🇰 dobrovoľníctvo

🇨🇳 志愿服务

🇸🇮 prostovoljstvo

🇮🇸 sjálfboðastarf

🇰🇿 ерікті қызмет

🇬🇪 ნებაყოფლობითი მუშაობა

🇦🇿 könüllülük

🇲🇽 voluntariado

Etymology

The term 'volunteering' derives from the Latin word 'voluntarius,' which means 'willing' or 'of one's free will.' This word evolved through various languages and contexts, shaping the modern understanding of the concept. The idea of volunteering has roots in ancient cultures, where helping one's community was seen as a noble and essential activity. In the 19th century, the structure of organized volunteer work began to take shape with various social movements advocating for issues like labor rights and education. By the late 20th century, volunteering became widely recognized for its role in community building and social change, encouraging the development of numerous non-profit organizations and initiatives aimed at mobilizing individuals for civic participation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,424, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.