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

Two doctors and a High Court judge would have to verify that they were eligible, and had made their decision voluntarily.

From BBC

The bill, published on Monday, would allow terminally ill adults expected to die within six months to seek help to end their life if two doctors and a High Court judge verify they are eligible and have made their decision voluntarily.

From BBC

The FDA has recommended that the individual companies voluntarily recall their products.

From Salon

The government advisers said taxes on meat and dairy might be needed if people do not voluntarily reduce their consumption of the products, and there should be moves to phase out the use of petrol cars.

From BBC

Under a bill published on Monday, two independent doctors would have to be satisfied someone is eligible and has made their decision voluntarily.

From BBC

Related Words

• deliberately
• freely
• intentionally
• spontaneously
• willingly