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Definition of voluntarily

voluntarily

/ˈvɑː.lənˌter.ə.li/
vol · un · tar · i · ly
Adjective:voluntary
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voluntarily Lexical Profile

voluntarily Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

Of one's own free will; by choice and without compulsion, coercion, or external pressure.

Example

"The executive stepped down voluntarily to pursue new opportunities in the nonprofit sector."

2

Without financial payment or material compensation; as an unpaid volunteer.

Example

"Several retired teachers work voluntarily at the community library every weekend."

3

In a conscious, deliberate, or intentional manner; under the control of the will (especially of bodily movements or legal actions).

Example

"Unlike the heart, skeletal muscles can be contracted voluntarily whenever a person chooses to move."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for voluntarily

• Nearby Words

voluminous
volumize
volumizer
voluntarily
voluntariness
voluntary
volunteer

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'voluntary' and the adverbial suffix '-ly', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'voluntarius' ('of one's free will'), from 'voluntas' ('will' or 'desire').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Voluntarily. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/voluntarily
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