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voluntary

Pronunciation: /ˈvɒl.ən.tɹi/

The English word “voluntary” has 9 meanings listed here.

adjective

  1. Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.
  2. Done by design or intention; intentional.
  3. Working or done without payment.
  4. Endowed with the power of willing.
  5. Of or relating to voluntarism.

adverb

  1. Voluntarily.

noun

  1. A short piece of music, often having improvisation, played on a solo instrument.
  2. A volunteer.
  3. A supporter of voluntarism; a voluntarist.

Etymology

From Middle English voluntarie, from Old French volontaire, from Latin voluntārius (“willing, of free will”), from voluntās (“will, choice, desire”), from volēns, present participle of volo (“to will”). Displaced native Old English selfwille (literally “self-willed”).

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