voluntary

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈvɒl.ən.tri/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈvɑ.lənˌtɛr.i/

• Audio (US)

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• Hyphenation: vol‧un‧ta‧ry

Adjective

Positive voluntary

Comparative more voluntary

Superlative most voluntary

1. Acting of one's own free will. Something that somebody does is voluntary if the person is doing it because they want to do it, not because someone orders them to do it.

   Helping to wash the dishes is voluntary.

2. Working without payment.

   I have a voluntary position helping children learn to read.

Synonyms

• discretionary
• optional
• volitional

Antonyms

• compulsory
• obligatory
• involuntary

Related words

• volunteer