voluntary
UK/'vɒlənt(ə)rɪ/US/'vɒlәntәri/
NGSL 3kIELTSTOEFLB1
Definitions
adj.
Done, given, or acting of one's own free will, not forced
自愿的，自发的
adj.
Done or run by unpaid people; charitable
志愿的；无偿的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedThis vol- is not the rolling one — it's velle 'to will, wish' (variant volunt-) + -ary = 'relating to the will.' voluntary means done because you will it, by free choice, with no force behind it. Same volunt- sits inside volunteer: someone who acts because they want to.
Root vol still carries 50 more wordsExample Sentences
- 1.
Attendance at the workshop is voluntary, not required.
- 2.
She does voluntary work at the local hospital on weekends.
- 3.
He made a voluntary confession before any pressure was applied.
Easily Confused
voluntary vs volunteer — voluntary is the adjective ('voluntary work'); volunteer is the person or the verb ('I'll volunteer'). Don't say 'a voluntary' for a person.