Voluntary Meaning in English
word
/ˈvɑɫəntɛɹi/
VAH-luhn-teh-ree
/vˈɒləntəɹi/
VO-luhn-tree
Definition
Done by choice or free will, not because someone is forced or paid to do it. It can describe actions, work, or participation that are self-motivated.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly formal; often used with work, donations, decisions, or participation ('voluntary work', 'voluntary donation'). Not used for fun/free-time activities ('voluntary swimming' sounds odd). Sometimes contrasted with 'mandatory'.
Spanish: voluntario - voluntariamentePortuguese (BR): voluntário - voluntariamentePortuguese (PT): voluntário - voluntariamenteChinese (Simplified): 自愿的 - 志愿的Chinese (Traditional): 自願的 - 志願的Hindi: स्वैच्छिकArabic: طوعيBengali: স্বেচ্ছাসেবী - স্বেচ্ছায়Russian: добровольныйJapanese: 自主的 - 任意のVietnamese: tự nguyệnKorean: 자발적인Turkish: gönüllüUrdu: رضاکارانہIndonesian: sukarela
Example Sentences
He joined the club on a voluntary basis.
basic
Participation in the event is voluntary.
basic
She made a voluntary donation to the charity.
basic
Attendance at the meeting is totally voluntary, so come if you want.
natural
Most of the work here is voluntary—people help out because they care.
natural
She quit her job in a voluntary move, not because anyone forced her.
natural