Volunteers: meaning, definitions and examples

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volunteers

 

[ ˌvɒlənˈtɪə(r) ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

helping others

People who freely offer to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task without being paid.

Synonyms

assistants, helpers, unpaid workers

Examples of usage

  • They are looking for volunteers to help at the charity event.
  • Many volunteers work at the local animal shelter.
  • The organization relies on volunteers to run smoothly.
Context #2 | Verb

offering to help

To offer to do something without being forced to or without expecting payment.

Synonyms

offer, pitch in, step forward

Examples of usage

  • She volunteers at the hospital every weekend.
  • He volunteered to lead the project.

Translations

Translations of the word "volunteers" in other languages:

🇵🇹 voluntários

🇮🇳 स्वयंसेवकों

🇩🇪 Freiwillige

🇮🇩 relawan

🇺🇦 волонтери

🇵🇱 wolontariusze

🇯🇵 ボランティア

🇫🇷 volontaires

🇪🇸 voluntarios

🇹🇷 gönüllüler

🇰🇷 자원봉사자

🇸🇦 المتطوعين

🇨🇿 dobrovolníci

🇸🇰 dobrovoľníci

🇨🇳 志愿者

🇸🇮 prostovoljci

🇮🇸 sjálfboðaliðar

🇰🇿 еріктілер

🇬🇪 მოხალისეები

🇦🇿 könüllülər

🇲🇽 voluntarios

Etymology

The word 'volunteer' originated in the 17th century from the Latin word 'voluntarius', meaning 'of one's free will'. It first appeared in English as a noun to describe those who offer themselves for military service without being compelled. Over time, the term broadened to encompass those who offer their services in various fields without expecting payment.

See also: involuntarily, voluntary.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,617 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.