voluntary
pronunciation
How to pronounce voluntary in British English:
UK [ˈvɒləntri]
How to pronounce voluntary in American English:
US [ˈvɑːlənteri]
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- Noun:
- (military) a person who freely enlists for service
- composition (often improvised) for a solo instrument (especially solo organ) and not a regular part of a service or performance
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- Adjective:
- of your own free will or design; not forced or compelled
- controlled by individual volition
Word Origin
- voluntary (adj.)
- late 14c., from Latin voluntarius "willing, of one's free will," from voluntas "will," from the ancient accusative singular present participle of velle "to wish" (see will (v.)). Originally of feelings, later also of actions (mid-15c.). Related: Voluntarily.
Antonym
Example
- 1. Should the iaea 's safety rules stay voluntary ?
- 2. It is a voluntary body , which proprietors have left when it offends them .
- 3. Blood donors are stalwarts of the voluntary sector , and rich countries with advanced medical systems rely on them .
- 4. The santiago principles are voluntary , with no penalties for non-compliance .
- 5. All operate voluntary schemes for promoting women into upper management .