voluntary

¹vol·un·tary

adjective \ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē\

Definition of VOLUNTARY

1

: proceeding from the will or from one's own choice or consent

2

: unconstrained by interference : self-determining

3

: done by design or intention : intentional <voluntary manslaughter>

4

: of, relating to, subject to, or regulated by the will <voluntary behavior>

5

: having power of free choice

6

: provided or supported by voluntary action <a voluntary organization>

7

: acting or done of one's own free will without valuable consideration or legal obligation

— vol·un·tar·i·ly adverb

— vol·un·tar·i·ness noun

Examples of VOLUNTARY

1. Participation in the program is completely voluntary.
2. He was charged with voluntary manslaughter.
3. the voluntary muscles that control urination

Origin of VOLUNTARY

Middle English, from Anglo-French voluntarie, from Latin voluntarius, from voluntas will, from velle to will, wish — more at will

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to VOLUNTARY

Synonyms

freewill, self-imposed, uncoerced, unforced, volitional, volunteer, willing

Antonyms

coerced, compelled, forced, involuntary, nonvoluntary, unwilled, will-less

Related Words

discretionary, elective, optional; impulsive, instinctive, spontaneous, unpremeditated; conscious, deliberate, intentional, knowing, willful (or wilful)

Near Antonyms

compulsory, enforced, mandatory, necessary, nonelective, obligatory, ordered, required

Synonym Discussion of VOLUNTARY

voluntary, intentional, deliberate, willing mean done or brought about of one's own will. voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion <a voluntary confession>. intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved <the intentional concealment of vital information>. deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences <deliberate acts of sabotage>. willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another <willing obedience>.

²voluntary

noun

plural voluntar·ies

Definition of VOLUNTARY

1

a : a prefatory often extemporized musical piece

b : an improvisatory organ piece played before, during, or after a religious service

2

: one who participates voluntarily : volunteer

First Known Use of VOLUNTARY

1598

vol·un·tary

adjective \ˈväl-ən-ˌter-ē\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of VOLUNTARY

1

: proceeding from the will or from one's own choice or consent

2

: of, relating to, subject to, or regulated by the will <voluntary behavior>

—vol·un·tari·ly adverb