voluntary

/ˌvɑlənˈtɛri/

/ˈvɒləntri/

Other forms: voluntaries

Voluntary is an adjective that describes something you do because you want to, without being influenced or forced into it. Usually a voluntary act is something you consciously choose to do, like going into work even on a snow day.

Voluntary comes from the Latin word voluntarius, which means "of one's free will." Voluntary can also describe a service given without any payment expected in return. For example, if your work for the community theater is voluntary, that means that you don't get paid for your time. If you're offering your voluntary help in this way, you might also be called a volunteer, someone who offers free help to assist others.

Definitions of voluntary

1. adjective

   of your own free will or design; done by choice; not forced or compelled
   “man is a voluntary agent”

   “participation was voluntary”

   “voluntary generosity in times of disaster”

   “voluntary social workers”

   “a voluntary confession”

   synonyms:

   conscious

   knowing and perceiving; having awareness of surroundings and sensations and thoughts

   intended

   resulting from one's intentions

   wilful, willful

   done by design

   freewill

   done of your own accord

   self-imposed

   voluntarily assumed or endured

   uncoerced, unforced, willing

   not brought about by coercion or force

   unpaid, volunteer

   without payment

   willing

   disposed or inclined toward

   antonyms:

   involuntary

   not subject to the control of the will

   unconscious

   not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead

   driven, goaded

   compelled forcibly by an outside agency

   forced

   forced or compelled

   unconscious

   without conscious volition

   unwilled

   without deliberate volition

   unwilling

   in spite of contrary volition

   unwilling

   not disposed or inclined toward
2. adjective

   controlled by individual volition
   “voluntary motions”

   “voluntary muscles”

   antonyms:

   involuntary

   controlled by the autonomic nervous system; without conscious control

   automatic, reflex, reflexive

   without volition or conscious control

   autonomic

   relating to or controlled by the autonomic nervous system

   vegetative

   relating to involuntary bodily functions
3. noun

   (military) a person who freely enlists for service
   synonyms: military volunteer, volunteer

   type of:

   man, military man, military personnel, serviceman

   someone who serves in the armed forces; a member of a military force
4. noun

   composition (often improvised) for a solo instrument (especially solo organ) and not a regular part of a religious service or musical performance
   types:

   postlude

   a voluntary played at the end of a religious service

   type of:

   solo

   a musical composition for one voice or instrument (with or without accompaniment)