# voluntarily

**Pronunciation:** /ˌvɒlənˈtɛrəli/ · vol-uhn-TAIR-uh-lee

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

Done or given of one's own free will, without being forced or compelled.

## Examples

- He voluntarily resigned from his position, citing personal reasons.
- The company voluntarily recalled the defective products to ensure customer safety.
- She decided to work extra hours voluntarily to finish the project on time.

## Synonyms

- willingly — Emphasizes readiness and eagerness.
- freely — Highlights absence of constraint or restriction.
- spontaneously — Suggests acting on sudden impulse or without prior planning.
- of one's own accord — An idiomatic phrase emphasizing personal initiative.

## Antonyms

- involuntarily — Done without conscious control or against one's will.
- compulsorily — Required by law or rule; by force.

## Common patterns

- act voluntarily — To perform an action by choice. — She chose to act voluntarily and help the community.
- voluntarily offer — To present something without being asked. — He voluntarily offered his assistance for the challenging task.

## Collocations

- voluntarily withdraw — The candidate decided to voluntarily withdraw from the election.
- voluntarily comply — Citizens are expected to voluntarily comply with traffic laws.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/voluntarily

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