Voluntary

Definition

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

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɑlənˌtɛri/
• Respelling: VOL-uhn-ter-ee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɒləntri/ or /ˈvɒləntəri/
• Respelling: VOL-uhn-tree or VOL-uhn-tuh-ree

In American English

, "voluntary" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable and features a short "a" sound as in "father" in the first syllable, followed by "uhn," then "ter," and ending with "ee." In British English, the pronunciation can vary. Some speakers pronounce it with a shorter ending, "tree," while others pronounce it more similarly to the American version, with "tuh-ree." The primary stress remains on the first syllable in both versions.

Etymology

The word "voluntary" originates from the Latin "voluntarius," meaning "of one's free will." This is derived from "voluntas," meaning 'will or desire.'

Derivatives

• Voluntarily
• Volunteer
• Voluntariness
• Voluntarism
• Voluntarist

Synonyms

• Willing
• Unforced
• Elective

Antonyms

• Compulsory
• Mandatory
• Obligatory

Usage

• "She made a voluntary donation to the charity."
• "Participation in the event is purely voluntary."

Related Terms

• Will
• Choice
• Intentional
• Deliberate
• Autonomy

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Of One's Free Will: Done, made, brought about, undertaken, etc., of one's own accord or by free choice.
• Example: "It was a voluntary decision to join the team."

• Without Compensation: Serving or acting in a specified capacity willingly and without constraint or expectation of reward.
• Example: "She worked as a voluntary teacher at the local school."

• Not Enforced: Not enforced or not done by law, rule, or necessity.
• Example: "The company has a voluntary retirement scheme."

Noun

• Voluntary Act: An action or instance of volunteering or offering to do something without being forced.
• Example: "The organization relies on the voluntaries of its members."