voluntarily

[ vol-uhn-tair-uh-lee, vol-uhn-ter- ]

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.

Other Words From

• un·vol·un·tar·i·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of voluntarily¹

voluntary ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Neuroscientists at the Salk Institute have now, for the first time, identified a specific brain circuit that regulates breathing voluntarily.

From Science Daily

One of the actor’s lawyers, Shawn Holley, said three jurors had agreed to meet voluntarily.

From Los Angeles Times

The earlier resolution prohibited district staff from “voluntarily cooperating in any immigration enforcement action, including sharing information about students’ and families’ immigration status with any immigration agent.”

From Los Angeles Times

Aside from the scheduled sailings, the crew would voluntarily give up their time to put on several special "booze cruises" to raise money for island charities.

From BBC

If they do not limit their profits voluntarily, they will face a legal limit on how much they can make.

From BBC

Related Words

• deliberately
• freely
• intentionally
• spontaneously
• willingly