What does voluntarily mean?
Voluntarily means willingly and by choice, describing an action that is undertaken without coercion, compulsion, or necessity. It is frequently used when describing someone who offers to participate, agrees to a request, provides information, accepts responsibility, or performs a task without being required to do so. The word is formal but broadly understandable and appears especially often in legal, institutional, journalistic, and workplace contexts. For example, a person may voluntarily resign, disclose confidential details, surrender property, waive a legal right, or contribute time to a project. Although “voluntarily” distinguishes an action from one performed under pressure, it does not necessarily suggest that the person acted enthusiastically; the essential emphasis is on freedom of choice. It is also the standard adverb corresponding to the adjective “voluntary,” and it contrasts directly with “involuntarily.”
adverbIn a voluntary manner, willingly and by choice rather than because of compulsion or necessity.
- In a manner that reflects one's own choice or willingness, especially without coercion or external prompting.
"She voluntarily offered to help with the registration."
"The witness voluntarily agreed to speak to investigators."
"Employees may voluntarily contribute additional funds to the community project."
Voluntarily is where “will” comes out of hiding: it describes an action performed by choice, not command.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does voluntarily come from?
The English adverb was formed during the early modern period from Latin voluntarius, meaning “of or according to will,” with the English adverbial ending -ly. Its deeper source is the Latin voluntas, meaning “will, wish, or choice,” which is related to volo, “to wish.” Words including “voluntary,” “volunteer,” “volition,” and “volitional” belong to the same broad family, while “benevolent” reflects the same Latin root in a different formation.
How voluntarily is actually used
This word is formal but widely used in legal, academic, journalistic, and administrative contexts. It indicates choice rather than compulsion, but it does not necessarily imply enthusiasm or pleasure.
Easily confused with voluntarily
Voluntary is normally an adjective describing an action or choice, whereas voluntarily is the adverb explaining how an action is done.