voluntarily

American  

[vol-uhn-tair-uh-lee, vol-uhn-ter-] / ˌvɒl ənˈtɛər ə li, ˈvɒl ənˌtɛr- /

adverb

1. of one’s own accord or by free choice.

   Students were mostly attending the sessions voluntarily, so they were reasonably well-behaved.

2. by volunteers, or in a way that depends on voluntary action.

   The Political Science Club is a politically neutral and voluntarily operated nonprofit organization.

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Other Word Forms

• unvoluntarily adverb

Etymology

Origin of voluntarily

voluntary ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Use the adverb voluntarily to describe something you do willingly. For example, you might voluntarily stay home and babysit your little brother if the alternative is a trip to the grocery store. People do things voluntarily when they are completely willing to do them, not forced or enticed by anyone else. Kids tend to eat candy voluntarily, ride their bikes with their friends voluntarily, and watch their favorite shows on TV voluntarily. It's easy to see the connection with the verb to volunteer, and both words are rooted in the Latin root voluntarius, "of one's free will."

Example Sentences

Britney Spears voluntarily checked into a treatment facility, a representative for Spears confirmed.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

The couple said they firmly believed their son would not have voluntarily disappeared.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The law that came into force in January brings back conscription in principle, though it will be implemented only if not enough people sign up for the army voluntarily.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Then, over winter break, Claybaugh heard from the professors who voluntarily chose to lower grades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“You see that there? That signature says that you have been voluntarily admitted to psychiatric care at Argenon Hospital, yes?”

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini

Related Words

• deliberately
• freely
• intentionally
• spontaneously
• willingly