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voluntarydone, given, or acting of one's own free will

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: done, given, or acting of one's own free will

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈvɑːlənteri/

Example Sentences

  • My mom's voluntary diet lasted exactly 3 hours until she saw chocolate cake.
  • The company offers voluntary overtime, which is like saying 'please work more for free'.
  • Students can participate in voluntary activities to improve their college applications.

voluntary

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈvɑːlənteri/]

done, given, or acting of one's own free will

The students did voluntary work by cleaning the neighborhood park.
💡 Concept

The students did voluntary work by cleaning the neighborhood park.

The voluntary helpers painted the community center simply because they wanted to help. (VOLUNTEER → VOLUNTARY → doing something because you want to)
🧠 Mnemonic

The voluntary helpers painted the community center simply because they wanted to help. (VOLUNTEER → VOLUNTARY → doing something because you want to)

Her voluntary service earned an honorary award and led to a celebratory gathering.
🎵 Rhyme

Her voluntary service earned an honorary award and led to a celebratory gathering.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈvɑːlənteri/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈvɒləntəri/

🌳Etymology

Rootvolunt
Suffix--ary

Origin

From Latin 'voluntarius' meaning 'of one's own will,' derived from 'voluntas' (will, desire). The word entered English through Old French and has been used since the 14th century to describe actions performed by choice rather than compulsion.

Breakdown

volunt- (from Latin voluntas, meaning will/desire) + -ary (suffix forming adjectives meaning 'relating to' or 'characterized by') = voluntary (relating to or done by one's own will)

🎵Rhyme

cemeterytemporaryliterary
cemetery
temporary
literary

🔗Collocations

voluntary service
voluntary donation
voluntary participation
voluntary work
on a voluntary basis
voluntary organization
voluntary retirement

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My mom's voluntary diet lasted exactly 3 hours until she saw chocolate cake.

😄 Fun example

The company offers voluntary overtime, which is like saying 'please work more for free'.

Students can participate in voluntary activities to improve their college applications.

The witness gave voluntary testimony without being subpoenaed.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

willingspontaneousoptionalunpaidfree

Antonyms

forcedcompulsorymandatory

Related

volunteervoluntarilyvoluntarism

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